OND 


AND 


r 

THE  UNIVERSITY  OF 

1 

NORTH  CAROLINA 

LIBRARY 

# 

THE  WILMER  COLLECTION 

OF  CIVIL  WAR  NOVELS 

PRESENTED  BY 

RICHARD  H.  WILMER,  JR. 

/  (J   ha 

gnLMEH  CCa  I ECTION 


BOND  AND  FREE: 


A  TALE    OF   THE    SOUTH 


By   grace    LINTNER 


C.   B.   IXGRAHAM 

PUBLISHER, 

'INDIANAPOLIS,  IND. 


I]S[DIAXAPOLIS  : 

CARLON    &   HOLLENBECK,  PRINTERS  AND   BINDERS. 

1882. 


CorVKIGHT   BY 
ELLEN    M.    INGRAHA^[ 

1882. 


PREFACE 


Upon  relating  incidents  which  occurred  under  the  observation- 
of  the  Avriter,  the  suggestion  has  been  frequently  made  to  her  that 
they  should  be  recorded  in  a  book,  and  placed  within  the  reach  of 
those  who  are  interested  in  studying  the  habits  of  the  Southern 
people  before  the  late  Avar. 

This  volume  is  presented  to  the  public  in  compliance  with  that 
request,  since  slavery  is  now  so  far  removed  from  us  by  time  that 
it  has  become  historical. 

The  contingencies  of  "the  peculiar  institution"  invaded  the 
domestic  circle,  made  children  masters  and  mistresses  from  in- 
fancy, causing  them  to  be  reared  rulers  over  their  sable  playmates, 
and  impressed  on  their  unfolding  minds  ideas  of  superiority  in 
birth,  which,  as  they  advanced  to  manhood  or  womanhood,  quali- 
fied them  to  exercise  authority  to  a  degree  inconceivable  by  those 
raised  with  different  surroundings.  That  miscegenation  was  of 
frequent  occurrence  is  not  to  be  denied;  but  mulatto  children,  be- 
ing held  by  their  darker  mothers,  were  identified  with  the  mater- 
nal race;  yet  there  were  instances  where  amalgamation  was  ex- 
tended to  successive  generations,  and  State  laws  were  enacted 
liberating  those  who  possessed  a  certain  degree  of  consanguinity 
with  the  Caucasian  race. 

In  the  slave  markets,  among  which  that  of  New  Orleans  was 
pre-eminent,  quadroon  girls,  possessing  superior  personal  at- 
tractions, commanded  a  high  price;  and  in  exceptional  instances, 
where  they  were  received  into  families,  and  enjoyed  advantages 
of  mental  and  moral  education,  they  became  womeu  of  intelligence 
and  sterling  Avorth. 

Our  heroine  is  not  a  myth.     There  are  persons  who  will  recog- 

602970 


IV  PREFACE. 

nize  individuals  mentioned  in  this  history,  but  their  identity  is 
veiled  from  the  public  by  fictitious  names  and  localities. 

The  author  has  not  seen  proper  to  testify  to  this  or  that  occur- 
rence as  a  fact,  lest  the  repetition  should  become  tiresome,  or  con- 
clusions be  drawn  that  all  others  not  so  specified  are  fabrications. 

Kead,  and  decide  for  yourselves,  -whether  or  not  the  history 
contained  in  the  following  pages  is  true  to  life;  and  remember, 
that  where  friends  and  families  are  separated,  and  pursue  differ- 
ent paths  in  the  mazy  labyrinth  of  life,  their  spheres  may  widen 
in  diverse  channels,  and  the  wiliest  detective  be  unable  to  recover 
the  clue;  again,  they  may  meet  when  least  expecting,  and  bridge 
the  lapse  of  years  with  reminiscences  of  the  past. 

Read,  and  learn  not  to  undervalue  the  inliuence  we  exert  over 
those  around  us. 

Let  that  charity  ''which  is  kind,  and  endureth  all  things," 
throw  a  mantle  over  the  imperfections  of  our  fellow  men.  ''  Let 
love  be  without  dissimulation,"  that  we  "be  not  overcome  of  evil, 
but  overcome  evil  Avith  good." 


CONTEXTS. 


CHAPTER 

• 

PAGE. 

I. 

Temple  Vale 

1 

11. 

Hunt  Templeton 

10 

III. 

The  Brothers 

.       21 

IV. 

Search.            

30 

V. 

Grace  Lintner. 

.       40 

YL 

Carolina  Life 

49 

YIL 

Letitia's  Story 

.       54 

YIII. 

Letitia's  Story — Continued. 

67 

IX. 

An  Adversary. 

.       73 

X. 

Music.             

82 

XI. 

The  Old  Summer  House. 

92 

XII. 

Preaching 

101 

XIII. 

The  Ghost 

.     110 

XIV. 

Madison's  Freedom 

119 

XV. 

The  Discovery.           .... 

.     127 

XVI. 

Xora 

138 

XVII. 

Old  Virginia.              .... 

.     145 

XVIII. 

The  Fire 

157 

XIX. 

Exigencies. 

.     165 

XX. 

Free  Labor. 

174 

XXI. 

AVoman's  Work 

.     187 

XXII. 

Guerrillas 

196 

XXIII. 

Mrs.  Grovener.            .... 

.     204 

XXIV. 

Retribution. 

213 

XXV. 

Financiering.               

.     221 

XXVI. 

Peace.              

227 

XXVII. 

Home  Again 

.     237 

^XVIII. 

Supervision.             

248 

XXIX. 

The  Coast  of  Flori  la. 

.     254 

XXX. 

The  Will 

270 

XXXI. 

The  Wedding.             .... 

.     278 

XXXII. 

Tableaux  Vivants 

285 

Bond  and  Free 


CHAPTER  I. 

TEMPLE    VALE  .. 

George  Melburx  threw  the  bridle  from  the  peg 
of  an  old  Virginia  horse-rack  over  the  neck  of  his 
impatient  steed,  mounted,  and  rode  slowly  down 
the  avenue,  a  rejected  lover. 

A  review  of  the  past  presented  itself  to  his  mind 
as  he  wended  his  way  homeward  ;  for  often  during 
childhood  had  the  same  road  been  passed  to  re- 
ceive instruction  from  the  governess  employed  by 
Capt.  Templeton  ;  and  earh^  had  Letitia's  sweet- 
ness and  grace  so  won  his  heart,  that,  during  the 
few  past  3'ears,  while  absent  at  college,  her  image 
had  retained  rule,  and  honors  had  been  sought  and 
won  with  anticipated  commendation  from  his  lad}-- 
love. 

Each  annual  vacation  he  had  found  her  develop- 
ing in  all  the  beauty  and  loveliness  of  womanhood, 
and  now  that  college  days  were  over,  and  the  vo^^•s 
uttered  that  set  him    apart  as  a  minister  of  holy 


2  BOND    AND    FREE. 

things,  he  had  presented  himself  to  Letitia  with 
bright  aspirations,  and  received  a  decided  refusal. 

For  the  tirst  time,  during  his  life  of  twenty-three 
years,  was  he  thwarted  in  his  plans.  Sole  heir  to 
a  large  inheritance,  with  ample  means  at  com- 
mand to  promote  his  interest  or  happiness,  recog- 
nized as  master  of  many  slaves,  he  was  accus- 
tomed to  have  the  will  of  others  yield  to  his  own. 
With  a  noble,  manly  bearing,  and  the  pride  of 
birth  known  to  a  native  born  Virginian,  it  had  re- 
quired all  the  intensity  of  love  to  overcome  inborn 
prejudices,  and  offer  all  that  he  was,  and  all  that 
he  had,  to  the  keeping  of  one  over  whose  birth 
rested  a  cloud. 

Letitia  still  stood  upon  the  vine-covered  veranda, 
her  large  blue  eyes  watching  his  retreating  form, 
with  lips  parted  as  if  to  call  him  back,  and  revoke 
the  w^ords  which  pronounced  the  doom  to  her  own 
happiness.  But,  no  ;  she  had  taken  up  the  cross, 
and  was  resolved  to  bear  it.  Passionately  clasping 
her  hands,  and  raising  her  eyes,  now  overflowing 
with  tears,  to  heaven,  she  exclaimed  earnestly  and 
trustingly,  '' I  do  love  him  so  dearly!  Help,  oh 
help  me,  Heavenl}'  Father,  to  tear  this  idol  from 
my  heart,  and  worship  only  thee  I  " 

Then  seeking  the  retirement  of  her  room,  she 
sank  upon  her  knees,  and  struggled  in  prayer  until 
the  mastery  was  gained  and  peace  came  ;  then  pil- 
lowing her  head,  she  slept  quietly  and  sweetly. 

A  few  days  later,  Capt.  Templeton,  who  was 
apparently  recovering  from  a  slight  attack  of  neu- 
ralgia, was  sitting  at  the  breakfast  table  with  his 


TEMPLE    VALE. 


daughter,  and  sipping  a  cup  of  fragrant  coffee,  as 
a  servant  brought  to  him,  on  a  silver  waiter,  the 
county  newspaper. 

Glancing  carelessly  over  its  contents,  an  item 
arrested  his  attention,  and  he  read  aloud  : 

"Mr.  George  Melbnrn,  of  Oak  Lawn,  has  made  arrangements 
with  Mr.  Grigg  to  oversee  his  large  estate,  as  he  proposes  making 
a  tour  on  the  continent  of  Europe,  and  subsequently  devoting  him- 
self to  missionary  work  in ." 

Laying  down  the  paper,  without  observing  the 
flush  which  suffused  the  cheek  of  his  daughter,  he 
remarked,  "  So  George  is  at  home  again,  and 
ready  to  be  oft'  once  more.  I  am  heartily  sorry 
that  he  is  not  to  remain,  and  take  charge  of  his 
servants.  It  must  be  a  sudden  move  ;  for,  the  last 
time  I  saw  him,  he  expressed  a  desire  and  longing 
to  be  on  his  place  permanently  ;  and,  as  he  had 

received  a  call  to  take  charge  of  G Church,  it 

seemed  certain  he  would  remain  at  'The  Lawn.'  " 

"  But,  papa,"  said  Letitia,  thinking  she  ought  to 
reply,  and  scarce  knowing  what  ground  to  take, 
"  is  not  Mr.  Grigg  a  good,  responsible  overseer?  " 

"Yes,  dear;  he  is  as  good  and  responsible  an 
overseer  as  can  be  found  ;  but  where  there  are  so 
many  hands,  they  need  their  own  master  to  look 
in  upon  them  once  in  a  while.  Mr.  Grigg  provides 
each  servant  his  allowance,  and  George  Melburn 
is  not  the  man  to  want  his  hands  stinted  ;  but  it  is 
the  business  of  the  overseer  to  see  that  the  crops 
come  in  full,  so  he  is  sometimes  pretty  hard  on 
them.     It  is  natural  for  a  man  to  feel  attached  to 


4  BOND    AND    FREE. 

his  own  possessions,  and  to  have  a  kind  of  famih^ 
feeling  toward  his  servants,  aside  from  the  dollars 
they  cost,  which  an  overseer  can  not  have.  He 
should  have  been  neighborly  enough  to  call  upon 
you,  little  daughter." 

Letitia  replied,  as  she  rose  from  the  table  to  hide 
her  confusion  :  "  Yes,  papa  ;  he  called  the  evening 
you  were  at  G ." 

A  description  of  Temple  Vale  may  carry  some 
of  our  readers  back  a  quarter  of  a  century,  to  an 
old  homestead  in  Virginia.  The  house  was  a  plain 
frame  building  ;  a  wide  hall,  extending  from  the 
front  veranda  to  the  rear,  separated  the  parlor,  or 
*'  big  room,"  from  the  "  family  room."  The  former 
was  honored  with  an  ingrained  carpet,  cane-seated 
chairs,  and  two  large  wooden  rockers,  with  chintz- 
covered  cushions.  A  generous  fire-place  in  winter 
diffused  the  warmth  of  blazing  logs,  and  in  sum- 
mer the  wide  jambs  furnished  a  niche  for  a  vase  of 
flowers.  On  the  opposite  side  stood  a  massive 
sideboard,  the  compartments  of  which  held  hats 
and  bonnets  for  Sunday  wear,  as  well  as  demi- 
johns of  home-made  wines  and  a  plate  of  pound- 
cake. Of  these  refreshments  ever}^  visitor  who 
found  his  way  hither,  either  b}^  accident  or  upon 
business,  was  not  onl^^  invited,  but  expected  to  par- 
take. 

The  room  across  the  hall  was  large  enough  to 
answer  the  various  purposes  to  which  it  had  been 
appropriated  ;  namely,  bed-room,  sitting,  and  din- 
ing-room. On  the  second  floor,  corresponding 
apartments  were  used  as  sleeping  rooms. 


TEMPLE    VALE, 


Capt.  Templeton's  frequent  absence  from  home 
had  made  it  necessary  to  have  the  end  of  the  rear 
veranda  enclosed  for  the  accommodation  of  a  trusty 
servant,  who  could  be  called  at  any  moment,  and 
before  whose  door  a  watch-dog  kept  guard. 

Directly  in  rear  of  the  house,  at  a  few  yards  dis- 
tance, was  the  kitchen  ;  and,  further  on,  to  the  left, 
a  row  of  neatl}^  whitewashed  cabins,  far  enough 
apart  to  allow  space  for  little  gardens,  where  each 
family  of  servants  was  encouraged  to  cultivate,  for 
sale,  or  for  their  own  use,  a  supply  of  vegetables. 
Saturday  afternoons,  and  time  gained  by  complet- 
ing an  alloted^  task  at  an  early  hour,  afforded  leis- 
ure for  this  work.  The  experiment  had  originated 
with  the  late  mistress  of  Temple  Vale,  who  had 
discontinued  the  cultivation  of  a  kitchen  garden  in 
order  to  encourage  the  servants  by  purchasing  such 
produce  as  they  might  raise  ;  and  it  had  proved 
successful.  The  front  yard  had  been  laid  out,  and, 
under  the  supervision  of  Miss  Letitia,  flowers 
bloomed  luxuriant  and  filled  the  air  with  their 
fragrance. 

After  breakfast,  Capt.  Templeton  went  out  to 
give  directions  for  the  day's  work,  and  his  daugh- 
ter sought  the  retirement  of  an  arbor  to  quiet  emo- 
tions that  had  been  once  more  re-awakened  by  the 
remarks  of  her  father. 

This  little  retreat  was  formed  by  the  branches  of 
a  carefully  trained  hawthorne,  overhanging  a  sin- 
gularly formed  rock,  which  served  as  a  bench. 

The  hardest  battles  fought  by  mankind  are  those 
with,  or  against,   self;  when  reason,  with  its  firm 


6 


BOND    AND    FREE. 


convictions  of  right  and  duty,  is  set  in  array  against 
the  heart,  against  its  natural  tendencies,  instinct,  or 
ardent  desires  ;  when  duty  demands  the  voluntar}^ 
^aelding  up  of  what  has  grown  to  be  the  joy,  the 
hope  of  life.  Alone,  with  none  but  the  All-seeing 
one  who  was  near  to  sustain,  Letitia  was  glad  to 
realize  that  she  had  obtained  the  m aster \^ ;  that  the 
dreaded  words  had  been  spoken,  even  if  they  had 
cut  the  cord  that  held  the  curtain  uplifted  which 
now  enshrouded  her  young  life  like  a  pall.  She 
was  glad  to  be  alone  in  the  contest,  to  feel  that  not 
even  her  father  knew  of  her  hrst  great  sacrifice  ; 
she  determined  to  maintain  her  usual  cheerful  man- 
ner, and,  after  an  hour  had  passed,  came  out  sing- 

"Always  a  maiden,  never  a  wife." 

Approaching  the  house,  she  met  her  father  riding 
his  favorite  horse,  "Black  Prince;"  with  an  ex- 
clamation of  surprise  she  addressed  him, 

"Please,  father,  do  not  go  this  morning,  wait 
until  to-morrow,  when  you  will  be  better." 

"  I  am  better  now,  darling,"  he  replied  ;  although 
his  pale  face  did  not  verif\'  his  words.  "  You  re- 
member the  advice  of  our  good  doctor,  and  I  must 
be  read}',  for  3'our  sake,  if  I  have  not  neglected  his 

warnino-  too  lonor  alreadv.     The  cool   mornino"  air 

00.,  & 

will  invigorate  me.     Good-bye,  my  daughter." 

With  a  farewell  kiss  father  and  daughter  parted, 
each  full  of  thought,  looking  forward  with  the  an- 
ticipation of  accomplishing  a  large  measure  of  life's 
work  during  the  day. 

Capt.  Templeton  rode  toward  the  court  house, 


TEMPLE    VALE.  7 

now  and  then  checking  his  horse  to  a  slow  pace, 
as  a  sharp  pain  paled  his  face,  or  drew  an  involun- 
tar}'  groan  from  his  lips.  Then,  as  it  passed  off, 
he  would  hasten,  as  if  his  errand  could  not  be  de- 
laved  ;  occasionally  muttering  half  aloud,  "  I  must 
not  be  too  late."  Well  did  he  know  that  a  fatal 
disease  was  preying  upon  his  heart,  as  a  worm  in 
the  core  ;  that  vitality  was  liable  to  cease  at  any 
moment;  and  that  like  the  apple,  he  would  fall, 
and  earth  claim  her  dust. 

Previous  to  the  death  of  his  wife,  Capt.  Temple- 
ton  had  executed  a  will ;  but  since  that  event  he 
felt  that  it  would  be  well  to  avoid  controversy,  or 
litigation,  by  giving  to  his  youngest  child,  Letitia, 
a  deed  to  the  homestead,  as  well  as  a  document 
setting  her  emancipation  beyond  dispute. 

Such  papers  had  been  given  into  the  hands  of  a 
lawver,  and  this  was  the  day  appointed  for  the  final 
signing  and  sealing. 

Upon  Letitia  devolved  the  household  cares  as 
mistress  of  a  large  famih'  of  servants,  although 
scarcely  nineteen  years  of  age,  and  wath  these,  af- 
ter her  father's  departure,  she  was  soon  busily  en- 
gaged ;  but  an  undercurrent  of  thought  and  anxiety 
for  her  father  made  the  time  pass  slowh%  as  the 
cuckoo  from  the  hall  clock  announced  each  pass- 
ing hour. 

When  twilight  approached  she  lingered  on  the 
veranda,  hoping  to  see  his  figure,  until  the  servants 
appeared,  returning  from  work  in  the  fields  to 
their  cabins. 


O  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Uncle  Joe  came  up  to  the  house  ;  seeing  his  mis- 
tress, he  stopped,  removed  his  hat,  and  bowed. 

"  Have  you  seen  3'our  master,  Uncle  Joe?  "  en- 
quired Letitia. 

"No,  Miss;  but  dat's  jes  w'at  I's  gwine  speak 
'bout.  I's  rollin'  logs  in  de  ole  dead'nin'  'side  de 
road,  fur  ter  burn  to-morrow.  Miss,  like  oleMassa, 
he  tole  me  fur  ter  do  dis  mornin',  an'  jes'  as  I  an' 
Tom  was  hisin'  a  mighty  big  log  on  de  pile,  who 
comed  'long  side  de  fence  but  Maus  Hunt's  Steve." 

"  Had  Steve  seen  father.  Uncle  Joe?  " 

"  Dat's  jes  what  I's  gwine  speak  'bout.  Miss  'Ti- 
tia.  Steve,  he  beckon'  wid  'is  head  fur  me  to  come 
to  de  fence,  an'  w'en  I  gets  dar,  he  says,  'You  jes 
go  up  to  de  big  house,  and  tell  Miss  'Titia  as  'ow 
'er  fader's  sick  down  to  de  hotel.  Tell  'er  as  how 
Maus  Hunt's  dar  wid  'im,  an'  said  nobody  should 
come  an'  tell  'er ; '  but  I  know'd  I'd  jes  come  dis 
way  w'en  he  sent  me  ober  to  Maus  Grigg's  wid  dis 
letter;  so,  Miss  'Titia,  I's  here." 

"  Yes,  Joe  ;  and  we  must  go  to  him,"  were  Le- 
titia's  composed  words,  although  her  heart  beat 
with  fear  of  evil.  "  Saddle  the  horses  ;  you  must 
be  my  escort." 

"Yes,  Miss;  dar  dey  is;  I  knowed  you'd  say 
so  ;  Tom's  bringin'  'em." 

The  horses  appeared,  and,  within  live  minutes, 
Letitia,  accompanied  by  the  faithful  Joe,  was  on 
the  way  to  G . 

Bolstered  almost  upright  in  the  bed  was  the  form 
of  Capt.  Templeton,  his  head  drooping  to  one  side, 
or  moving  restlessly  against  a  pillow.     The  village 


TEMPLE    VALE.  9 

doctor  held  his  almost  pulseless  wrist ;  and  oppo- 
site sat  Mr.  Hunt  Templeton,  half-brother  of  the 
dying  man,  when  Letitia  entered. 

Moving  softly  to  his  bed-side,  she  knelt,  clasped 
her  father's  hand,  and  bowed  in  grief.  Then  rais- 
ing her  tear-stained  face  to  his,  she  whispered, 
''  Father,  dear  father,  tell  me  — ." 

In  vain  he  strove  to  speak ;  life  was  too  far 
gone — just  hovering  on  the  brink  of  the  dark  river. 
A  smile,  a  gentle  pressure  of  the  hand,  a  gasp, 
and  all  was  over ;  the  last  step  was  taken,  and  the 
waters  crossed. 

There  was  left  a  lifeless  body,  a  grief-stricken 
daughter,  and  a  grasping  Shylock,  impatient  to 
bury  the  dead,  and  scrape  in  long  coveted  dollars. 


CHAPTER  II. 


HUNT      T  E  M  P  L  E  T  O  N 


Hunt  Templeton  was  seated  in  a  comfortable 
rocker,  with  his  feet  upon  the  fender.  His  coun- 
tenance, as  he  looked  into  the  hre,  would  convey 
a  favorable  impression,  presenting  a  fine  profile  of 
the  Jewish  tvpe,  inherited  from  his  mother  ;  but,  as 
he  turned,  an  upward  glance  betrayed  a  dark,  sin- 
ister expression  lurking  under  shaggy  e3^ebrows, 
which  would  change  a  stranger's  first  opinion,  and 
cause  a  man,  with  whom  he  might  have  business 
dealings,  to  question  his  integrity. 

His  wife  was  knitting  upon  a  fast  lengthening 
stocking  without  appearing  to  observe  its  existence. 
She  wore  a  dark  linse\'  dress,  and  a  long,  full 
gingham  apron  tied  round  the  waist ;  her  face  was 
hard,  and  the  motion  of  her  jaws  indicated  a  devo- 
tion to  the  habit  of  gum-chewing.  Dropping  her 
knitting  into  a  basket,  she  withdrew  the  gum  from 
her  mouth,  stored  it  in  her  pocket  for  future  use, 
and  skilllullv  ejecting  a  mouthful  of  saliva  across 
the  fire,  addressed  her  husband,  while  she  resumed 
her  knitting : 

"  I  don't  see  w'at  for  3'ou  sold  Joe  and  'Titia  to- 


HUNT    TEMPLETON.  II 

gether,  I  told  you  the  last  thing  for  to  be  sure  and 
put  one  in  one  place,  and  t'other  some  'eres  else;" 

"  You  need  borrow  no  trouble  on  that  score,  old 
girl ;  I  reckon  they  are  both  in  Tophet  by  this  time, 
for  I  sold  'em  to  Satan,  or  one  of  his  colleagues. 
The  captain  of  the  '  Wildfire  '  said  he  had  knowed 
him  ever  since  he  has  been  a  tradin'  'long  the  coast. 
He  is  a  runaway  convict,  and  never  shows  himself 
away  from  his  hut.  There  is  a  man  in  Jackson- 
ville who  sometimes  sends  him  supplies  under  an 
alias  :  with  this  exception,  and  an  occasional  sail- 
ing vessel  stopping  there,  he  has  no  communica- 
tion with  the  world.  I  did  not  get  much  money 
for  the  nigs,  but  I  thought  I  could  not  get  shed  of 
'em  in  a  safer  place." 

"  You  may  be  right;  but,"  lowering  her  voice 
to  a  whisper,  and  glancing  around  the  room  to  as- 
sure herself  that  no  other  person  was  present,  "  do 
you  really  suppose  either  of  'em  knowed  about  the 
will?" 

At  this  question,  Mr.  Templeton  contracted  the 
muscles  of  the  forehead  till  his  scalp  approached 
his  eyebrows,  as  if  Satan  betraved  the  guiding  of 
his  heart  by  disfiguring  his  face,  and  answered, 

"'  I  don't  care  whether  they  know  it  or  not,  now  ; 
I  made  a  sure  thing  in  getting  the  place  cl'ar  on 
'em.  Brother  James  trusted  everv  thing  to  Joe.  I 
know  there  were  two  copies  of  the  will.  One  is 
safe,  I  bet ;  the  other  James  had  hidden  away  some- 
'ers,  and  I  charged  you  to  make  thorough  hunt  for 
it  at  the  farm.'' 

"  Yes  ;  didn't  I  spend  three  da3's  a  huntin',  when 


12  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Sary  Ann  was  down  o'  the  fevers  ?  I  searched 
every  nook  and  corner,  and  nary  will  is  there,  that 
is  certain,"  insisted  Mrs.  Templeton,  holding  her 
stocking  near  the  candle  to  see  the  last  stitches  as 
she  "  toed  it  off."  "  I  don't  see  what  has  become 
of  it,  unless  it  was  sent  to  Mary,  or  the  bo3^s,  for 
safety." 

'*  I  don't  think  it  was,  because  James  told  me  he 
didn't  want  the  bo3^s  to  know  he  had  so  much  bank 
stock  laid  by.  You  see  there  are  seventy-five 
thousand  in  the  Planter's  Bank,  with  the  interest 
piling  on  for  three  3'ears  ;  and,  if  the  bo3'S  knowed 
it,  James  thought  it  would  spile  'em." 

"Suppose  the  bo3's  come  on,  and  find  out  how 
it  is." 

"I  fixed  that.  I  got  'Squire  Munser  to  write 
that  their  father  was  dead,  and  the3^  had  best  re- 
main where  they  are,  or  they  would  be  taken  and 
sold  if  the3^  return.  The  children,  all  having  been 
born  in  slaver3%  could  not  claim  the  estate  without 
the  will.  'Squire  Munser  wrote  to  Marv  that  she 
could  get  nothing  ;  so  I  think  we  shall  have  no 
trouble  from  anv  of  them.  But  one  thing  is  sure, 
Sue  Templeton,  it  has  taken  a  might3-  sight  of 
figurin'  and  thinkin'  to  fix  this  all  up  for  our  side  ; 
and  'Squire  Munser  wants  an  awful  pile  of  money 
to  fetch  it  out  right  for  us.'' 

"Well,  I  reckon  he'll  not  get  more'n  honest 
pay." 

"  'Squire  Munser  is  not  the  man  to  undertake  a 
job  like  this  without  big  pay,  and  he  told  me  so. 
There  is  no  '  whipping  the  devil  'round  the  stump ' 


HUNT    TEMPLETON.  1 3 

with  him.  I  had  to  sign  a  paper,  making  over  to 
him  one-hah'  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  the  tradin' 
vessels,  and  ten  thousand  out  of  the  bank  stock. 
It  is  bad  ;  but  there  is  no  backin'  out.'" 

So  greedy  was  this  man  over  ill-gotten  means, 
that  he  shrank  from  sharing  the  booty  with  him, 
by  whose  art  and  labor  onh'  it  could  be  grasped  ; 
while  the  lawj'er,  knowing  well  his  client,  was  care- 
ful enough  to  possess  himself  of  a  liberal  share  of 
dishonest  money  for  dishonest  work. 

The  Templeton  family,  having  suddenly  become 
the  holders  of  so  considerable  a  fortune,  the  next 
step  was  to  decide  how  to  use  it.  Their  hitherto 
limited  income,  derived  from  the  profits  of  a  small 
stock  of  groceries,  had  demanded  strict  economy 
to  provide  all  with  the  comforts  of  life,  and  left  lit- 
tle for  its  luxuries.  The  two  oldest  sons  had  been 
necessarily  deprived  of  school  privileges  ;  for,  as 
soon  as  they  were  old  enough,  they  had  been 
obliged  to  aid  in  the  sale  of  their  father's  wares  ; 
and  the  elder  daughters  were  equally  useful  in  do- 
mestic duties.  It  was  resolved  that  they  must  now 
be  sent  to  boarding  schools,  and  servants  employed 
to  take  their  place  in  all  labor.  The  grocer^^  was 
disposed  of,  as  well  as  the  furniture  of  their  hum- 
ble home  ;  while,  at  the  farm,  reconstruction  and 
reorganization  were  accomplishing  wonders.  Un- 
der the  supervision  of  an  architect,  painters  and 
carpenters  made  the  plain,  comfortable  farm  house 
of  James  Templeton  lose  its  identitv  in  a  Gothic 
villa.  New  carpets  and  new  furniture  came  in  as 
a   necessity.     Parents  as  well    as    children,   were 


14  BOND    AND    FREE. 

bewildered  at  the  novelty  of  a  home  with  such  sur- 
roundings, and  knew  not  how  to  manage  unaccus- 
tomed acquisitions. 

"  See  here,  ma  ;  "  said  young  John,  a  bov  of  ten 
years,  "pa  says  3^ou  have  bought  six  brocatelle 
chairs  for  the  parlor.     What  is  brocatelle,  ma?" 

"  Don't  expose  3^our  ignorance,  boy  ;  it  is  French 
for  thirty  dollars  apiece  ;  one  would  think  vou  had 
never  seen  furniture  before." 

"Well,  I  never  did  see  sich  as  this  'ere.  And 
what's  this  thing  for,  all  wadded  like  a  pin-cush- 
ion?" throwing  himself  down,  with  his  muddy 
boots  elevated  upon  the  polished  veneering. 

"That  'ere  is  a  sociable.  You,  John,  git  oft'  o' 
thar ;  see  how  you've  scratched  it.  I'll  show  you 
what  this  is."  Stooping  down,  she  took  oft'  her 
slipper,  and  brisklv  exercised  it  about  the  boy's 
ears,  who  made  a  speedy  retreat. 

Among  the  servants  an  entire  change  of  system 
had  replaced  the  former  order  of  things.  Dinah 
had  tucked  away  her  five  little  ones,  some  in  the 
trundle-bed  (in  which  during  happy  days,  now 
passed  awa}^  her  dear  "  ole  missus  "  had  watched 
and  cared  for  her  own  four  darlings),  some  in 
the  "big  bed,"  and  on  her  lap  lay  asleep  her 
sixth  child,  a  babe,  born  since  the  exile  of  its  father, 
Joe.  Nellie,  a  fellow-servant,  was  sitting  near, 
trying,  by  the  light  of  a  rag,  sputtering  in  the  side 
of  a  "  grease  cup,"  to  make  a  garment  for  herself. 

"  I's  been  tryin'.  Aunt  Dinah,  to  find  out  w'ere 
at  Maus  Hunt  took  Miss  'Titia  an'  Joe.  Steve, 
you  know  Steve,  he  druv  the  carriage  that  day, 


HUNT    TEMPLETON.  1 5 

an'  he  says  as  how  he  tuck  'em  down  to  a  sailin' 
vessel." 

''Were  at  was  the  vessel  gwine?"  inquired  Di- 
nah. 

''  Steve,  he  said  he  din'no  nuffin'  'bout  dat ;  but 
he  'spects  dat  dey  war  gwine  to  Georgy." 

"  De  Lord  help  us  I  my  Joe  gone  to  Georgy  !  " 

"Wat  fur,  Aunt  Dinah,  is  you  been  dar?  Wat 
fur  a  place  is  Georgy?" 

,  Dinah  shook  her  head,  took  her  babe,  which  had 
fallen  asleep,  laid  it  in  the  bed,  as  carefully  tucking 
it  in  as  if  it  had  been  the  nursling  of  a  free  mother, 
and,  taking  an  old  split-bottomed  chair,  leaned  back 
till  it  rested  against  the  wall.  Setting  her  feet  upon 
a  round,  she  said  :  "•  Nellie,  did  you  never  hear  tell 
of  Georgy?  It's  a  big  jail — bigger'n  dis  planta- 
tion— w'ere  dey  puts  de  blacks  w'at  don't  'bey  or- 
ders. It's  got  a  suller,  an'  a  down  sta'rs,  an'  a  up 
sta'rs,  an'  dar  ain't  no  winders  :  it's  all  like  a  mill 
w'ere  dey  grin'  sugar  cane  an'  pick  cotton.  Dey 
have  to  work  all  day  an'  all  night,  ebery  day  han' 
runnin',  wid  chains  'round  dar  legs.  An'  Nellie, 
if  Maus  Hunt's  gone  and  tuck  m}^  Joe  an'  Miss 
'Titia  dar,  de  Lord'll  pa}-  him  off,  sure.  Dar  neb- 
ber  was  a  better  boy  nor  my  Joe  ;  an'  as  to  Miss 
'Titia,  she's  an  angel,  jes  like  'er  'ma  was  'fore 
her." 

"  Dar's  a  heap  o'  comfort,  Aunt  Dinah,  in  trust- 
in'  in  de  Lord  ;  dar's  no  oder  holt  to  hang  by." 

"  Look  a'  dis  yere  Missus  ;  she  alius  done  'er 
own  cookin',  an'  now  she  'lows  I  can  do  all  de 
cookin'  fur  de  house,  an'  all  de.  ban's,  'side  lookin' 


1 6  BOND    AND    FREE. 

after  de  chillen.  Nora,  she'  ten  year  ole  Christ- 
mas, an'  helps  a  heap  'bout  nussin'  de  baby  ;  now 
Missus,  she  says,  '  Nora  must  wait  in  de  house,  an' 
let  Carline  nuss  de  bab}^'  an'  she's  so  little." 

A  knock  at  the  kitchen  door  ;  and  without  wait- 
ing for  an  invitation,  Terence,  a  field  hand  entered  : 
"  Skuse  me,  Aunt  Dinah,  I  comes  in  fur  ter  light 
™y  pipe.  Wats  you  an'  Miss  Nellie  consolodatin' 
'bout ;  you  looks  so  solemn  like?" 

"  I  reckon  w'es  a  right  to  be  solemn,  Terence, 
wi'  Joe  an'  Miss  'Titia  sold  to  Georgy." 

*' Don't  sa}^  so.  Dat's  business  in  de  na\y. 
Wonder  what  all's  Maus  Hunt  sold  'em  to  Georgy 
for?  But  3^ou  orter  see  how  him  an'  dis  'ere  ober- 
seer  bosses  ;  gettin'  us  up  'fore  day,  an'  workin' 
us  like  mules.  No  more  Saturday  evenin's  to 
make  shuck  mats,  nor  baskets,  nor  nuffin'  ;  but 
work  on  de  place.  Dat's  all  we's  made  for,  I 
reckon  he  thinks." 

Mr.  Templeton,  in  taking  up  the  thread  of  his 
brother's  business,  found  that  it  did  not  glide 
smoothly  through  his  own  hands,  but  became  sadh' 
entangled. 

Coming  in  one  evening,  in  a  disturbed  state  of 
mind,  he  said  to  his  wife  :  "  There's  'Squire  Mun- 
ser  has  had  a  man  in  tow  who  wanted  to  buy  out 
the  whole  line  of  trading  vessels.  'Squire  sa3^s  he 
has  backed  out,  and  will  not  buy.  I've  done  m}^ 
best  to  keep  in  with  the  agents,  but  somehow  there 
is  nothing  coming  in  from  them.  Here  I  am  kept 
running  one  way  and  another,  and  it  is  m}'  opinion 
the}'  are  keeping  me  blindfolded,  pullin'  an'  grab- 


HUNT    TEMPLETOX.  1 7 

bin'  in  all  directions  ;  the  more  I  reach  and  grasp, 
finding  nothing,  the  more  these  agents  chuckle, 
and,  in  my  opinion,  pocket  the  profits.  I  must  set 
out  for  Charleston  to-night." 

His  scalp,  like  a  storm-cloud,  lowered  ;  and  the 
flash  of  his  eyes  was  too  well  understood  by  Mrs. 
Templeton  to  attempt  the  use  of  any  soothing  in- 
fluence. 

Stepping  out  to  the  back  porch,  he  raised  his 
voice  in  a  prolonged  "  Ho-o-o,  Terence  I  Ho-o-o, 
Terence  !  " 

That  individual  presenting  himself  at  a  cabin 
door,  his  master  proceeded,  "  Saddle  Daisy  for 
me,  and  get  on  one  of  the  work  horses  to  bring  her 
back.     Right  oft';  do  you  hear?  " 

Instead  of  obeying,  Terence  walked  toward  the 
house,  "  Yes,  Massa;  but  Daisy's  mighty  bad,  sir  ; 
I  'spects  you'd  better  take  Prince,  sir." 

"  What's  the  matter  now?  " 

"She  got  cast  in  the  stable,  sir;  an'  her  foot's 
mighty  bad,  sir." 

At  this,  Terence  was  made  the  victim  of  a  tor- 
rent of  invectives  ;  curses  of  the  entire  African  race 
were  centred  upon  him  ;  not  because  he  had  been 
guilty  of  any  oftense,  but  chance  had  thrown  him 
in  the  path  to  receive  pent  up  wrath  from  an  irri- 
tated master.  Having  exhausted  his  supply  of 
censures,  he  added : 

"Tell  Harry  to  put  my  saddle  on  Prince,  and 

get  ready  to  go  with  me  to  the  river  to  bring  him 

back  ;  take  care  of  that  mare,  and,  if  I  lose  her, 

you  get  fiftv  lashes  ;  do  you  hear?  " 
2 


l8  BOND    AND    FREE. 

"Yes,  Massa." 

The  two  older  sons,  Thomas  and  Jerry,  were  too 
idle  to  remain  in  school ;  in  a  few  weeks  they  re- 
turned home,  and  devoted  their  abilities  to  rearing 
and  fighting  ^ame  cocks. 

With  other  idle  lads  in  the  neighborhood,  they 
assembled  in  the  rear  of  a  little  school-house  in  the 
woods ;  and  passers  by,  every  Saturda}^,  would 
meet  the  interested  parties  with  gaily  plumed  fowls 
under  their  arms,  and  find  them  engaged  in  whet- 
ting gafts  to  arm  the  cocks  for  the  conflict.  After 
the  battle,  when  small  stakes  were  risked,  the  win- 
ner was  to  "  liquor  up  all  around  ;  "  whisky  bottles 
were  emptied,  and  with  cards  the  da3^'s  entertain- 
ment was  completed. 

To  join  in  this  weekl}^  pastime,  the  boj^s  sallied 
out  of  the  house,  and  called  Terence  wath  the  order, 
"Saddle  Daisy  and  Prince  right  awa}' ;  do  you 
hear?" 

"  Maus  Thomas,  I  hears;  but  Maus  Hunt,  he 
tole  me  fur  to  take  good  keer  de  mare ;  she's, 
mighty  bad  crippled  wid  her  foot,  so  I  tuck  oft'  her 
shoes,  an'  keep  her  in  de  stable,  sir." 

"  What  do  you  mean,  3'ou  saucy  nigger  :  I  tell 
you  to  saddle  the  horses,  right  awa}^ ;  do  you  un- 
derstand?" 

"I  un'stan',  sir;  but  I'm  'feared  it  '11  go  hard 
wid  'er  to  put  'er  on  de  road  bar'  foot,  an'  'er  foot 
so  bad." 

B}^  this  time  the  headstrong  boy,  who  knew  no 
will  but  his  own,  descended  from  the  porch,  and 
shook  his  fist  at  Terence.     "  You  dare  to  disobe}' 


HUNT    TEMPLETON.  I9 

m}^  orders  !  I  tell  you  to  saddle  that  mare  and 
Prince,  and  have  'em  here  inside  of  ten  minutes, 
or  I'll  send  you  up  for  seventy-five  lashes.  You 
know  it  won't  hurt  her  to  get  a  little  exercise." 

Seeing  remonstrance  was  in  vain,  the  horses 
were  saddled,  and  the  bo3's  started  off. 

Terence  looked  after  them,  as,  urged  to  the  ut- 
most speed  she  could  make  over  the  rough  road, 
Daisy  limped  onward  at  the  will  of  her  rider ;  and 
he  indulged  in  one  of  his  soliloquies  : 

"Uncle  Joe,  he  used  to  sa}-,  dat  Miss  'Titia  read 
to  him  out  o'  de  good  book,  dat  it  is  mighty  hard 
to  serve  two  masters.  Now,  dar's  dat  ar  mare, 
she's  been  nigh  losin'  her  huff,  since  dat  ar  halter 
got  cotched  'round  it ;  an'  Maus  Hunt  he  telled  me 
if  I  don't  cure  it,  I  gets  fifty  ;  an'  now,  jest  as  I's  a 
curin'  it,  'ere  comes  Maus  Thomas  an'  tells  me  if 
I  don't  saddle  'er,  he'll  get  de  oberseer  to  gi'  me 
seventv-five.  So  here  I  is  'twixt  two  masters,  an' 
I  got  to  b'ar  de  kwonsequence  o'  one  or  t'other, 
sure,  an'  if  dat  mare  don't  get  used  up,  my  name 
ain't  Terence." 

Mr.  Templeton's  tour  of  investigation  at  the  of- 
fices of  the  ao-ents  was  to  him  a  fruitless  errand. 
He  knew  nothing  of  the  business  of  his  late  brother, 
and  could  learn  nothing  ;  since,  as  he  had  rightly 
conjectured,  the  agents  had  concerted  to  foil  his 
attempts  to  obtain  an}'  insight  into  their  affairs,  and 
led  him  into  a  blindfolded  chase  after  information. 
He  returned,  after  an  absence  of  several  weeks,  to 
the  farm,  in  an  unenviable  frame  of  mind  ;  where 
he  could,  at  least,  enjoy  the  privilege  of  venting 


20  BOND    AND    FREE. 

ill-humor  towards  his  family,  giving  and  counter- 
manding orders  to  the  servants.  Having  occasion 
to  go  to  the  village,  he  called  Terence,  and  ordered 
his  horse  to  be  saddled. 

After  the  imprudent  use  of  poor  Daisy,  she  had 
been  in  a  sad  condition.  Inflammation  followed, 
and  her  leg  was  so  badly  swollen  that  Mrs.  Tem- 
pleton  had  sent  for  a  veterinary  surgeon,  w^ho  pro- 
nounced the  mare  crippled  for  life.  Terence  had 
worked  with  her  faithfully,  having  taken  his  rest 
on  the  hay  in  the  stable,  so  as  to  bathe  and  rub  her 
in  the  night,  in  addition  to  his  daily  task.  He 
humbly  explained  the  case,  but  his  master  only  saw 
his  tine  blooded  mare  a  useless  cripple  ;  and,  lay- 
ing the  fault  on  Terence's  shoulders,  ordered  the 
overseer  to  give  him  flfty  lashes. 

This  act  of  injustice  was  inflicted,  and  borne 
without  a  murmur  ;  but,  from  that  moment,  every 
sentiment  of  kindly  feeling  hitherto  kindling  to- 
w^ard  his  master  was  extinguished,  and  in  its  place 
grew  up  a  bitter  hatred.  He  worked  with  a  dog- 
ged submission  to  orders,  because  there  was  no  al- 
ternative. Not  only  this,  but  joining  his  fellows  in 
secret  complaints  of  ill-treatment,  he  returned  to 
the  sullen  moroseness  of  the  x\frican  race,  w^orking 
as  an  eye-servant  under  fear  of  the  lash. 


CHAPTER  III. 


THE     BROIHERS 


Two  American  students  were  busy  in  their  lodg- 
ings, endeavoring  to  restore  order  out  of  confusion. 
Books  that  would  not  again  be  wanted  were  laid 
aside  for  the  second-hand  dealer,  and  others  care- 
fully packed  away  for  future  use  ;  clothing  was 
subjected  to  the  same  inspection,  and  an  accumu- 
lation of  papers  and  articles,  rejected  as  useless, 
were  readv  for  removal. 

James  Templeton  had  just  received  his  degree 
as  Doctor  of  Medicine,  and  his  brother  Oscar  had 
completed  the  third  year  in  the  classical  depart- 
ment of  the  same  institution. 

Their  father  had  determined  that  if  any  oppro- 
brium rested  upon  the  birth  of  his  children,  it  should 
be  wiped  out  by  educational  advantages  and  an  am- 
ple fortune.  For  this  end  he  had  labored  unceas- 
ingly. Superior  business  qualifications  enabled  him 
to  carrv  out  his  plans  as  long  as  life  lasted.  Both 
the  sons  had  been  sent  to  Germany,  and  placed  in  a 
university  well  known  for  its  able  corps  of  profess- 
ors. Oscar  was  to  remain  one  year  longer  to  com- 
plete his  course  of  study  in  the  classical  depart- 


22  BOND    AND    FREE. 

ment ;  and,  that  the  brothers  might  return  together, 
it  had  been  arranged  that  James  should  improve 
the  intervening  time  at  various  European  hospitals, 
further  qualifjang  himself  for  the  practice  of  his 
profession  in  some  place  yet  to  be  selected  in  his 
native  countr}-. 

The  last  letter  from  their  father  contained  a  re- 
mittance double  their  usual -quarterly  allowance, 
that  they  might  be  enabled  to  recreate  during  the 
vacation,  among  the  mountains  and  lakes  of  Swit- 
zerland ;  ''For,"'  w^rote  Capt.  Templeton,  '"when 
another  3'ear  has  passed,  I  want  to  see  both  of  you 
without  delay." 

For  this  trip  the  brothers  w^ere  making  prepara- 
tions, w^hen  a  letter  w^as  received  causing  them  to 
drop  their  work  —  a  letter  containing  intelligence 
that  turned  the  current  of  their  lives  as  effectually 
as  a  mountain,  meeting  a  coming  stream,  turns  its 
course  in  another  direction.  Enclosed  w^as  a  cer- 
tified statement  of  the  brief  illness  and  decease  of 
Capt.  James  Templeton,  signed  by  the  attendant 
ph3^sician,  also  a  communication  in  the  following 
words  : 

"  The  property  of  the  late  James  Templeton  is  inherited  by  his 
half-brother,  Hunt  Templeton,  sole  heir  to  the  estate.  At  his  re- 
quest, the  two  boys,  James  and  Oscar,  are  advised  to  remain  where 
they  are,  lest  in  case  of  their  imprudent  return,  they  may  be  re- 
manded to  slavery.  Signed,  C.  W.  tVIuNSER, 

*'  Attorney  at  Law, 
"Administrator." 

Conflicting  emotions  excited  the  minds  of  the 
brothers.      Grief  at  their   loss,   disappointment  at 


THE    BROTHERS.  23 

not  being  able  to  accomplish  their  well-laid  plans, 
and  mental  questioning  as  to  what  should  be  done, 
for  a  few  moments  caused  them  to  look  at  each 
other  in  silence.  Oscar  stood  holding  the  letter  in 
his  hand,  and  was  the  first  to  speak. 

"What  does  this  mean?  Does  this  man  pre- 
sume to  affirm  that  we,  with  our  sisters,  are  not 
heirs  to  our  father's  estate?  I  would  like  to  face 
him  with  the  certificate  of  our  parents'  marriage, 
which  mother  w^as  always  so  careful  should  be 
preserved.  How  does  he  dare  to  impugn  father's 
honor,  and  disown  us?  Liar  that  he  is,  I  will  have 
him  prove  that  Hunt  Templeton  is  heir  to  my  fa- 
ther's estate." 

James  Templeton,  more  self-possessed  than  his 
impetuous  brother,  approached  and  addressed  him 
by  the  title  he  had  always  used  since  early  child- 
hood, "  Little  Buddie,  the  books  tell  us  that  law  is 
founded  upon  justice,  and  executed  for  the  preser- 
vation of  social  and  moral  rights  ;  but  wise  men 
make  law^  sometimes  bend  and  adapt  itself  to  ex- 
isting customs,  rather  than  change  an  existing  cus- 
tom for  the  sake  of  justice.  Perhaps  you  do  not 
fully  understand  the  history  of  our  parentage,  as 
we  rarel}'  refer  to  it.  Father  found  mother,  a 
beautiful  quadroon,  in  the  New  Orleans  slave  mar- 
ket, and  bought  her  with  the  intention  of  making 
her  his  wife.  The  marriage  ceremonv  was  per- 
formed in  New  Orleans,  and  he  brought  her  to 
Virginia.  The  certificate  is  still,  I  suppose,  in 
sister  Mar3^'s  possession.     The  laws  of  the  slave 


24  BOND    AND    FREE. 

States  do  not  legalize  marriage  between  master  and 
servant,  nor  indeed  between  slaves  themselves." 

"I  see,"  replied  Oscar^  ''but  father  certainl}- 
gave  mother  her  freedom." 

"Free,"  said  James,  "in  everj-  regard,  as  any 
lady  born  in  freedom,  in  exercising  her  own  will 
and  pleasure,  beloved  and  honored  by  our  father, 
but  she  was  never  emancipated  according  to  the 
laws  of  Virginia  ;  and,  were  she  living,  would  be 
entitled  to  inherit  none  of  his  propertv  except  it  had 
been  given  her  in  his  will.  Emancipation  papers 
were  made  out  for  sister  Mar}-,  as  well  as  ourselves, 
at  mother's  earnest  solicitation,  as  each  of  us  sev- 
erally left  home  to  attend  school." 

"  Do  I  understand,  brother  James,  that  the  mar- 
riage certificate  is  null  and  void?" 

"The  certificate  is  evidence  of  a  marriag-e  in  the 
sight  of  heaven,  and  doubtless  would  be  recognized 
as  such  in  Europe,  and  in  every  free  state  of  our 
own  countr}' ;  but  not  in  the  state  where  it  was  ex- 
ecuted, or  where  they  subsequently  resided." 

"  Suppose,"  continued  Oscar,  "father  had  given 
mother  her  freedom  previous  to  their  marriage." 

"  Then  it  would  have  done  away  with  the  ques- 
tion of  our  bondage,"  said  James  ;  "  and  I  adhere 
to  the  principle  3'et,  brother,  '  Those  whom  God 
hath  joined  together  let  no  man  put  asunder.'  I 
clrfim  that  no  man,  nor  bod}^  of  men,  have  a  right 
to  abrogate  God's  commands.  Such  a  law  as  3'ou 
speak  of  is  unconstitutional,  and  God  will  over- 
throw it.     Hunt  Templeton  will  rue  the  day  he  de- 


THE    BROTHERS.  25 

prived  us  of  our  inheritance,  by  taking  advantage 
of  an  unconstitutional  law." 

"And  yet,"  said  James,  "Hunt  Templeton  is 
not  the  sole  author  of  our  trouble.  '  The  trans- 
gressions of  fathers  are  visited  upon  children  of  the 
third  and  fourth  generations.'  We  are  those  rep- 
resentatives, and  rest  under  the  curse.  Our  fath- 
er's half-brother  supposes  we  are  yet  children,  and 
require  advice.  We  must  certainly  change  our 
plans,  and  in  a  day  or  two  decide  what  steps  are 
to  be  taken.  There  is  little  sister  Letitia  ;  we  must 
look  after  her,  at  least,  and  not  leave  her  in  the 
clutches  of  this  villain.  Thanks  to  father's  gener- 
ositv,  we  can  battle  for  ourselves  and  for  her  also." 

"You  are  well  able  to  command  a  good  posi- 
tion," said  Oscar,  "  and  I  must  find  something  to 
do.  Instead  of  traveling  through  Switzerland,  we 
must  secure  passage  on  the  first  steamer  and  return 
to  our  native  land." 

"Yes,  that  will  be  our  first  move,"  said  James. 
"  Sister  Mary  has  doubtless  received  duplicates  of 
these  documents  before  this,  and  will  be  anxious  to 
hear  from  us.  We  must  write  this  evening  and 
send  by  the  English  mail,  so  that  a  letter  will  no- 
tifv  her  of  our  coming.  With  no  prospect  of  an- 
other remittance,  we  must  husband  our  means  and 
add  to  it  a  trifle  by  the  sale  of  these  books  and  all 
articles  that  we  shall  not  now  require." 

Several  days  passed,  which  the  brothers  indus- 
triously emplo3"ed  in  surmises  regarding  aftairs  at 
Temple  Vale,  and  in  speculations  for  the  future, 
while  their  hands  were  as  busily  employed  in  mak- 


26  BOND    AND    FREE. 

ing  preparations  to  leave  Germany  and  return  to 
America  with  but  little  baggage. 

Oscar  was  in  favor  of  advancing  to  the  point  at 
once,  to  demand  justice  at  the  hands  of  Mr.  Tem- 
pleton. 

"That  would  never  do,"  replied  James.  "We 
could  gain  nothing  by  so  doing  :  the  sum  of  money 
we  have  in  our  possession  would  be  exhausted,  and 
we  should  be  powerless  in  accomplishing  the  de- 
sired end.  We  must  fortify  ourselves  for  a  conflict 
before  rushing  into  it." 

Three  months  had  barelv  passed  by  since  Cap- 
tain Templeton  had  gone  to  his  final  rest,  when  his 
two  sons  stood  on  the  threshold  of  their  sister's 
home,  a  pretty  cottage  in  the  suburbs  of  a  manu- 
facturing town  in  Connecticut.  Their  arrival  was 
anticipated,  as  the  letter  announciag  their  intention 
had  been  received  a  week  or  two  previous,  and  a 
heartfelt  welcome  awaited  them. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blue  were  comfortably  provided  for 
by  her  father,  who  had  bought  and  furnished  their 
home,  and  purchased  a  considerable  share  in  a 
business  house,  where  Mr.  Blue  had,  at  the  time  of 
his  marriage,  been  emploved.  The  young  men 
were  not  kept  long  waiting,  for  Mrs.  Blue  opened 
the  door  herself;  and  once  more  they  felt  the  force 
of  a  sister's  love  in  her  cordial  reception.  They 
talked  over  the  happy  days  of  childhood  in  Vir- 
ginia ;  of  their  indulgent  parents,  both  gone  :  and 
the  question  arose  and  remained  unanswered, 
"  Where  is  little  sister  Letitia?  " 

"Esquire  Munser  wrote,"  said  Mrs.  Blue,  an- 


THE    BROTHERS.  27 

nouncing  father's  death  very  much  in  the  same 
manner  to  myself  as  he  did  to  you,  except  that  he 
varied  the  tone  of  the  last  clause,  knowing  that  I 
had  been  legally  freed.  I  remember  hearing  father 
speak  of  making  a  will.  I  wonder  if  he  ever  did  ; 
although,  if  he  did,  it  is  not  likely  he  would  have 
remembered  me  in  it,  as  he  had  already  been  so 
liberal,  and  probably  considered  that  I  had  received 
my  portion." 

''It  has  been  so  many  years  since  we  were  at 
home,"  said  James,  "  except  during  vacations,  and 
the  three  last  years  have  been  spent  entirely  in 
Germany  —  that  the  most  of  our  knowledge  of 
father  has  been  through  the  mails  ;  but  he  was  al- 
wavs  so  demonstrative  in  his  regard,  and  so  liberal 
in  providing  for  us,  that  I  should  think  he  would 
have  been  thoughtful  for  the  future,  especially  as 
his  health  was  so  precarious  :  but  it  is  vain  to  spec- 
ulate, we  must  take  the  facts  as  they  really  exist." 

"You  are  verv  well  settled,  sister  Mary,  and  as 
to  brother  James,  I  am  sure  he  has  battled  enough 
through  books,  lectures,  experiments,  surgical  op- 
erations, and  I  know  not  what  more,  to  be  able  to 
put  up  his  name  as  a  practitioner,  and  profess  to 
earn  a  living  by  attending  to  suffering  humanit}'.  I 
have  been  studying  over  what  I  can  do  for  m^^self, 
but  my  plans  being  frustrated,  it  will  not  be  so  easy 
to  find  business  adapted  to  my  capabilities.  Have 
you  received  any  letters  from  Virginia,  sister?" 

"  Not  one.  Immediatel}^  after  receiving  Esquire 
Munser's  letter,  I  wrote  to  a  friend  in  G ,  in- 
quiring about  sister,  as  it  seemed   so  strange  she 


28  BOND    AND    FREE. 

had  not  written.  The  reply  was  that  Letitia  had 
not  been  in  town  since  the  funeral.  I  have  written 
twice  since,  but  received  no  answer." 

The  brothers  found  manv  of  their  old  school- 
mates, visited  places  of  interest  near  Mr.  Blue's 
residence,  and  formed  new  acquaintances.  James 
was  introduced  to  the  fraternity  of  medical  men, 
and  looked  about  for  an  opening  where  he  could 
find  employment. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  profession  in  New  Haven,  he 
made  the  acquaintance  of  an  old  graduate  at  Hei- 
delburg.  Dr.  Weis,  who  had  for  man}^  years  been 
located  at  N ,  where  he  had  gained  an  exten- 
sive practice.  As  ma}-  be  supposed,  the  old  doc- 
tor lived  his  college  days  over  again  in  recalling 
old  associations,  and  insisted  that  James  should 
accompam'  him  to  his  home  for  a  good  long  talk 
about  Heidleburg. 

A  visit  of  two  or  three  days  extended  to  as  many 

weeks,  and  found  James  still  at  N .     A  patient 

under  the  care  of  Dr.  Weis  required  surgical  treat- 
ment, and  James  proved  so  valuable  an  assistant, 
that  he  could  not  be  permitted  to  leave.  Indeed, 
the  longer  time  wore  on,  the  more  did  Dr.  Weis 
feel  that  his  practice  was  more  than  he  could  at- 
tend to  in  his  advancing  years,  and  he  made  a 
proposition  to  James  to  enter  into  partnership  with 
him. 

"You  will  have  to  do  the  young  man's  part  of 
the  work,"  said  the  doctor,  "for  going  out  at  all 
hours  of  the  night  is  not  the  wa}'  to  cure  rheuma- 
tism.    There  are  a  great  many  visits  3'ou  can  make 


THE    BROTHERS.  29 

to  give  me  rest,  to  say  nothing  of  the  new  hooks 
and  crooks  you  have  learned." 

So  the  matter  was  settled,  and  James  learned  to 
know  his  title  as  "  Dr.  Templeton,"  and  brought 
into  use  the  knowledge  he  had  obtained. 

"You  are  just  the  man  I  have  wanted  for  the 
past  two  years,"  said  Dr.  Weis,  "  and  you  need 
make  no  other  arrangements  for  the  future,  but  to 
remain  with  me." 

"  I  would  like,"  suggested  James,  "  to  take  a  few 
days  furlough,  to  attend  to  some  business  in  Vir- 
ginia, before  I  become  absorbed  here." 

Dr.  Weis  shook  his  head.  "  Ah  I  no  ;  I  can  not 
spare  you  now.  Your  brother  can  be  deputized  to 
attend  to  3^our  affairs  ;  let  him  go." 

Dr.  Templeton  had  not  forgotten  his  younger 
sister,  and  he  was  desirous,  now  that  he  felt  per- 
manently engaged  in  business,  to  endeaver  to  find 
some  trace  of  her  by  visiting  the  old  home.  After 
well  weighing  the  subject,  he  concluded  it  was  best 
to  let  his  brother  undertake  the  errand,  and  wrote 
to  him  to  do  so. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


THE     SEARCH. 


A  BROAD  veranda,  extending  across  the  entire 
front,  was  an  important  adjunct  to  the  tavern  at 

G .     SpHt-bottomed  chairs,  left  at  a  convenient 

distance  to  allow  of  a  tilt  back  against  the  wall, 
offered  the  villao-ers  a  shaded  rest  from  the  sum- 
mer's  heat,  or  protection  from  the  shower.  It  was 
a  lounging  place  where  all  received  a  hospitable 
welcome. 

A  back-gammon  board,  or  pack  of  cards,  was  at 
hand  when  conversation  flagged,  and  they  were 
frequently,  brought  into  use.  The  doctor  could 
generally  be  found  here  when  his  services  were 
required,  as  well  as  the  lawyer ;  also  the  store- 
keeper, who  selected  a  position  commanding  a 
^  iew  of  his  warehouse,  lest  a  custon^er  should  enter 
unnoticed.  The  planter,  when  in  the  village  for 
supplies,  found  it  a  convenient  rendezvous  while 
his  horse  was  being  cared  for.  It  afforded,  besides, 
a  comfortable  half-wa}^  place,  where  he  who  would 
not  at  once  walk  boldly  in  and  ask  for  a  glass  of 
whisk}^  could  linger,  and  gradually  appease  his 
conscience  before  entering  the  bar-room  to  throw 
down  his  "bit"  and  swallow  a  potion. 


THE    SEARCH.  3 1 

Every  white  man  living  within  the  radius  of  sev- 
eral miles,  who  could  make  his  way  thither,  did 
not  fail  to  do  so  several  hours  before  the  arrival  of 
the  ratthng,  cumbersome  old  stage  that  brought  the 
mail  twice  a  week  from  Norfolk.  Should  a  passen- 
ger alight,  it  was  an  event  in  the  history  of  G 

which  furnished  gossip  for  a  week. 

One  bright  summer  day,  when  the  crowd  was 
unusually  large,  a  well-dressed  stranger  arrived 
and  ascended  the  steps  to  the  galler}-  without  seem- 
ing to  observe  that  the  eyes  of  all  were  turned  to- 
ward him. 

The  arrival  had  been  observed  at  once  bv  the 
stable-boy,  Madison,  who  lost  no  time  in  offering 
his  services  as  porter,  and  conveyed  the  dust-cov- 
ered vaHse  of  the  sole  passenger,  poised  upon  his 
head,  leaving  his  hands  as  free  as  his  bare  feet, 
and  limbs  partly  draped  by  the  remnants  of  what 
had  once  been  a  pair  of  pantaloons,  to  perform  va- 
rious antics  as  he  followed  up  the  steps. 

The  landlord,-  congratulating  himself  upon  the 
reception  of  a  guest,  welcomed  him  politely,  and 
appropriated  a  room  to  his  use. 

Having  removed  the  dust  of  travel,  and  bestowed 
his  valise  under  the  bed — as  no  other  hiding-place 
was  visible— he  repassed  the  scrutiny  of  the  vil- 
lagers and  walked  out  upon  the  street.  Without 
asking  any  questions,  he  proceeded  directly  to  a 
small  unpainted  frame  building,  designated  by  a 
tin  sign  nailed  to  the  door-casing,  as  the  ''Office  of 
C.  W.  Munser,  Attorney  at  Law  and  Justice  of  the 
Peace.'' 


32  BOND    AND    FREE. 

His  warm  heart  kindled  upon  seeing  the  gen- 
tleman at  the  desk,  busily  engaged  in  looking  over 
letters  and  papers  just  received  by  mail  ;  suppos- 
ing that,  having  been  a  friend  of  his  father,  the 
'Squire  would  be  glad  to  aid  him  with  the  courtesy 
due  to  his  position  as  a  gentleman,  he  handed  his 
card,  expecting  a  cordial  reception.  The  attorney 
rose,  held  the  card,  upon  which  the  name  "  Oscar 
Templeton  "  w^as  written  in  a  plain  bold  hand, 
long  enough  to  decipher  it  if  it  had  been  repre- 
sented by  hieroglyphics,  then  laying  it  upon  the 
desk,  frigidly  pushed  a  chair  toward  the  aston- 
ished visitor,  and  reseating  himself,  succeeded  in 
clearing  his  throat  enough  to  say  : 

"Ah  !  you  are  Oscar,  are  you?  Let  me  see,  you 
were  in  Germany,  were  you  not?  " 

Repelled  by  so  unexpected  a  reception,  and  not 
choosing  to  accept  the  chair  thus  offered,  Mr.  Tem- 
pleton assumed  his  accustomed  dignity  and  replied 
to  the  first  question  : 

"I  am  Oscar  Templeton,  sir;  son  of  the  late 
Capt.  James  Templeton,  and  my  errand  here  may 
be  stated  in  a  few  words ;  I  come  in  search  of 
my  sister  Letitia,  and  have  called  upon  you  as  ad- 
ministrator of  my  father's  estate,  to  obtain  infor- 
mation as  to  where  I  may  find  her." 

"  Letitia?  Letitia?  "  repeated  the  lawyer  to  him- 
self, as  if  endeavoring  to  recall  a  name  passed  from 
memory.  "The  name  sounds  as  if  I  had  heard  it 
before.  I  do  not  remember  whether  there  was  a 
Letitia  or  not ;  but — understand  this,  I  can  not  be 


THE    SEARCH.  33 

expected  to  keep  track  of — of — which  were  Capt. 
Templeton's  own  children." 

"  Beg  your  pardon,  sir,"  interrupted  Oscar  ;  "  I 
do  not  wish  to  hear  such  alhisions.  You  took 
charge  of  the  settlement  of  the  estate,  and  should, 
from  this,  as  well  as  from  long  acquaintance  with 
father,  be  familiar  with  the  details  of  his  family 
and  business  affairs.  You  wTote  to  brother  James 
and  myself  in  Germany  ;  also  to  my  sister,  Mrs. 
Blue.  You  were  not  ignorant  of  our  several  local- 
ities ;  you  certainly  must  be  able  to  tell  me  where 
Letitia  is." 

"  Not  so  fast,  boy,  not  so  fast,"  replied  the  law- 
yer as  he  rose  and  expanded  himself  with  all  the 
dignity  inspired  by  his  late  office  as  judge  of  the 
county  court.  "I  had  the  honor  to  administer 
upon  the  estate  of  Capt.  Templeton,  and  it  is  my 
duty  to  retain  possession  of  any  slave  owned  b}^ 
him,  or  recover  any  w^io  may  have  escaped  from 
servitude.  Be  careful,  boy,  speak  softly;  I  may 
have  legal  business  with  yott^  if  you  are  not  more 
careful." 

The  dark  threat  contained  in  these  words  he 
made  more  forcible  b}'  approaching  and  shaking 
his  clenched  fist  in  Oscar's  face. 

"And  you,  sir,"  said  Mr.  Templeton,  "  are  the 
rhan  who  pretends  to  be  a  gentleman,  and  my  fath- 
er's friend.  I  perceive  that  you  are  an  enem}-. 
Good  morning,  sir." 

Returning  to  the  tavern,  he  succeeded  in  procur- 
ing the  use  of  a  horse,  hoping  that  he  might,  b}' 
visiting  Temple  Vale,  be  able  to  find  his  sister,  or, 


34  BOND    AND    FREE. 

at  least,  ascertain  where  she  could  be  found.  The 
landlord,  supposing  him  to  be  unfamiliar  with  the 
roads,  urged  him  to  accept  the  escort  of  the  stable 
boy. 

"  You  can  see,"  he  remarked  to  a  by-stander,  as 
the  two  rode  out  of  sight,  "that  he  is  a  Yankee, 
by  his  clothes  and  his  square-cut  manners  ;  none 
of  your  free  and  easy  politeness  about  him.  There 
are  so  man}-  sly  Yankees  around  these  da^'s,  run- 
ning off  niggers  and  horses,  it  is  well  to  keep  watch 
of  them." 

"  But  are  you  not,"  asked  one,  "  afraid  he  will 
take  the  nigger  and  the  horses  also?" 

'*Not  at  all.  I  will  risk  Madison  anywhere; 
he  is  too  trifling  and  lazy  to  be  run  off  with.  He  is 
of  no  account  except  to  stand  around  a  stable,  hold 
horses,  and  such  like.  If  all  the  Yankee  school 
teachers  in  the  state  should  get  after  him,  they 
could  not  run  off  such  a  lazy  scamp  ;  yet  Madison 
has  one  good  trait,  he  thinks  a  heap  of  horses  ;  he 
will  talk  to  them,  never  forgets  to  water  nor  fodder 
them,  and  that  is  the  only  thing  he  is  good  for ;  I 
will  risk  that  upstart  running  him  off,  or  the  horses, 
either." 

Jogging  along  the  road  silently  for  two  or  three 
miles,  his  mind  was  busied  with  reflections  upon 
his  unpleasant  interview  with  Esquire  Munser.  As 
he  approached  the  old  homestead,  his  birthplace, 
where  the  years  of  a  happy  childhood  had  been 
passed,  and  a  warm  welcome  had  awaited  each 
vacation  visit,  he  began  to  realize  his  loss,  and  feel 


THE    SEARCH.  35 

that  the  props  of  his  youth  were  gone  ;  a  mother, 
gentle,  loving,  patient,  had  passed  away,  and  her 
remains  lav  across  the  fields  in  the  family  burying 
ground,  a  silent  spot,  where  the  ripened  leaves 
were  fast  falling  to  the  ground  ;  a  father,  steady, 
strong,  true,  and  affectionate,  was  not  laid  beside 
her,  but  in  the  village  churchyard.  Without  a 
clue,  he  had  set  out  to  search  after  the  darling  sis- 
ter, whom  he  had  left  3'ears  before.  The  recollec- 
tions of  her  as  he  gently  released  her  little  hands 
from  around  his  neck,  in  loving  embrace,  bidding 
him  "goodbye,"  rose  in  his  mind.  Where  was 
she  now  ?  In  bondage  or  in  freedom?  With  friends, 
or  with  a  hard  master? 

The  birds  that  knew,  flew  to  and  fro,  singing 
their  own  song,  but  could  not  tell.  The  winds  that 
knew,  fanned  his  face,  and  scattered  the  leaves, 
but  could  not  tell.  The  clouds  that  knew,  moved 
lazih^  over  the  blue  sky  away  oft' to  where  she  was, 
but  could  not  tell.  Angels  that  knew,  came  down 
close  to  the  brother's  ear,  and  whispered,  "We 
know,  she  is  being  trained  for  the  great  Father's 
work."  They  spoke  so  softly,  and  their  language 
was  in  heaven's  tongue  ;  he  did  not  understand 
them,  but  turned  in  his  saddle,  thinking  he  heard 
the  soft  notes  of  a  bird  hovering  above  him.  ^ 

Coming  to  a  place  where  landmarks  did  not 
seem  familiar,  he  remarked  to  his  guide,  "  The 
road  is  changed." 

The  negro  replied,  "Yes,  Maus  Oscar;  de  road 
used  to  go  up  dar  ober  de  hill,  you  know.  Dis 
'ere  is  Oak  Lawn.     De  oberseer,  he  clar'd  up  all 


;^6  BOND    AND    FREE. 

de  Ian',  an'  made  de  road  go  long  j^ere.  Dar's  a 
heap  things  done  different  since  ole  Massa's  gone." 

Mr.  Templeton,  with  surprise,  met  the  eye  of  his 
companion,  and  exclaimed  : 

"  Madison,  can  you  be  my  boy,  Madison?  " 

'*  Dat's  jes'  what  I  is;  I's  Madison."  At  the 
same  time  leaping  up  on  the  back  of  his  horse  he 
turned  a  complete  somersault,  and  reseated  him- 
self, displaying  his  pearl}^  teeth,  with  a  truly  Afri- 
can "Ya!  ya  !  ya  I  I  knowed  you  all  de  time,  I 
did." 

"Yes,  yes;  I  see  you  are  Madison  yet;  you 
have  not  forgotten  your  little  boy  tricks  ;  but  what 
has  changed,  Madison?  " 

"You'll  see  when  3'ou  gets  dar,"  the  boy  an- 
swered, changing  his  demeanor,  and  shaking  his 
head.  Then,  reining  his  horse  nearer,  he  asked, 
"  Is  you  seen  Joe  and  Miss  'Titia,  any  place  where 
you's  been  at?" 

"That's  just  wh}^  I  am  here.  I  have  come  to 
find  Miss  Letitia.     Is  Joe  gone?  " 

"  Dey  all  two  went  togedder  ;  but  dis  new  Massa 
he  don't  nebber  tell  nobod}^  whar  dey's  at.  Madi- 
son's mighty  lucky  to  get  outen  dar'  safe,  he  is." 

The  new  moon  shone  silver}^  bright  over  the 
landscape  when  our  travelers  retraced  the  road  to 
the  tavern. 

Upon  leaving  the  breakfast  table  next  morning, 
Mr.  Templeton  was  accosted  by  an  officer,  and 
summoned  to  appear  at  the  court  house  to  answer 
charges  made  against  him.     A  preliminary  exam- 


THE    SEARCH.  37 

ination  was  held,  in  the  presence  of  an  audience, 
adjourned  from  the  tavern,  to  investigate  two 
charges  :  First,  that  he  was  a  fugitive  slave  ;  Sec- 
ond, that  he  was  endeavoring  to  facilitate  the  es- 
cape of  a  slave.  The  exhibition  of  his  own  eman- 
cipation papers  nullified  the  first ;  but,  being  unable 
to  satisfy  the  court  in  the  second,  he  was  held  over 
for  trial,  and  committed  to  the  custodv  of  the  jailor 
to  insure  an  appearance. 

Past  the  weary  hour  of  midnight,  when  the  vil- 
lage was  wrapt  in  sleep,  and  no  sound  heard  ex- 
cept the  occasional  hoot  of  an  owl,  or  the  crow  of 
a  cock,  a  figure  crept  along  in  the  shadows  from 
the  tavern  to  the  jail ;  then  a  low,  but  clear,  sharp 
whistle  penetrated  the  ears  of  the  incarcerated  man, 
partially  awakening  him  from  the  troubled  sleep 
into  which  he  had  fallen.  The  sound  was  familiar, 
and  carried  him  back  to  the  days  of  his  boyhood, 
when  Madison  had  amused  him  with  exhibitions  of 
wonderful  skill  in  whistling. 

Again  it  was  heard,  followed  by  a  suppressed 
voice,  close  to  the  wall, 

"  It's  jes  me,  don't  be  skeered,  Maus  Oscar ;  it's 
jes  Madison." 

"  But  where  are  you,  Madison?" 

"Jes'  here,  bv  de  hole.  Fs  come  ober  to  sav, 
keep  up,  Maus  Oscar.  I  done  heard  'em  fix  up  dis 
business  down  to  de  tabern.  Maus  Hunt  he  comed 
in  las'  night,  an'  de  'Squire  and  dey  all  done  dis. 
So  I  jes'  come  ober  to  tell  you  to  keep  up,  an' 
we'll  tree  de  'possums  dis  time.  Fll  slip  back 
now,  'fore  de  padder-roller  come  dis  way." 


38  BOND    AND    FREE. 

The  session  of  the  countv  court  was  a  season  for 
fox  hunting.  A  fine  large  animal  had  been  brought 
in  and  confined  to  serve  as  game  for  the  huntsmen. 
The  best  horses  in  the  county  were  in  the  stalls, 
and  trained  dogs  ready  in  anticipation  of  the  chase 
next  morning.  The  judge,  lawyers,  their  clients, 
and  invited  guests,  were  fortifymg  themselves  at 
supper  with  the  landlord's  fried  chickens  and  bis- 
cuit, when  Madison  suddenly  entered  and,  with  an 
alarmed  expression,  announced  : 

"  De  fox,  sir,  he's  done  got  out,  sir.''  The  in- 
terested parties  precipitateh'  left  the  table,  called 
the  dogs,  and  ran  to  search  for  the  fox,  preceded 
by  the  informant,  whooping,  hallooing,  and  calling 
the  dogs  to  scent  the  track.  *'  I  done  saw  him  run 
ober  here." 

The  dogs  found  the  track,  which  led  to  the  side 
of  the  jail,  and  was  lost  at  a  small  hole,  where  they 
dug  furiously.  Madison  was  sent  to  procure  shov- 
els, and  a  large  excavation  was  made  under  the 
w^all ;  until,  fatigue  and  darkness  intervening,  it 
was  decided  to  abandon  the  work  until  morning. 
"  He  must  be  under  the  floor  and  can  not  get  out," 
said  the  landlord.  ''  Madison,  here,  throw  in  these 
loose  rocks,  and  chink  up  this  hole." 

"  Yes,  Massa." 

An  earl}^  riser  sauntered  across  to  view  the  spot 
where  the  fox  was  supposed  to  be  safely  impris- 
oned, and  returned  to  inform  the  landlord  of  the 
boy's  failure  to  secure  the  opening  ;  and  further  in- 
vestigation revealed  the  fact  that  floor  boards  had 


THE    SEARCH.  39 

been  removed,  and  that  the  sole  prisoner  had  es- 
caped. Threatened  vengeance  hovered  over  the 
stable-boy.  In  vain  was  he  sent  for.  Loud  voices 
called,  but  no  Madison  appeared  to  obey  the  sum- 
mons. Two  of  the  fleetest  horses  were  missing. 
The  tale  was  told. 


CHAPTER  V. 


GRACE      LINTNER. 


When  a  young  man  steps  out  into  the  world  to 
earn  a  maintenance,  and  to  build  for  himself  a  po- 
sition where  he  will  be  estimated  according  to 
moral  worth,  perseverance  in  accomplishing  a  de- 
sired end,  or  success  in  financiering,  it  is  an  im- 
portant era  in  his  life.  If  fortified  by  judicious 
preparatory  training  of  mind  and  manners,  sus- 
tained by  relatives  and  friends  with  advice  and 
capital,  the  road  to  success  is  widened  ;  but  errors 
in  judgment  may  overthrow  the  best  laid  plans.  A 
vigorous  will-power  and  indomitable  perseverance 
may  accomplish  more  than  wealth,  friends,  or  per- 
sonal influence  ;  but  it  means  work,  deprivation, 
crosses  and  rebuffs  ;  it  means  unflagging  industry 
and  energy  until  the  goal  is  reached. 

How  is  it  with  woman  w^ien  she  crosses  the 
threshold  of  home,  when  she  separates  herself  from 
its  protection,  and  goes  out  with  the  same  object  in 
view  ? 

The  timidity  characterizing  her  sex  induces  her 
to  shrink  from  the  ordeal,  unless  impelled  by  some 
great  incentive.     If  it  is  poverty,  society  accepts 


GRACE    LINTNER.  4 1 

her  apology,  and  encourages  her  with  the  same  aid, 
mingled  with  pity,  that  is  bestowed  upon  an  unfor- 
tunate object  of  charity  ;  while  more  favored  sisters 
thank  their  own  good  fortunes  that  they  are  exempt. 
If  ambition,  or  superior  mental  attainments  cause 
woman  to  extend  her  sphere  beyond  her  own  cir- 
cle, she  may,  under  certain  circumstances,  unfurl 
her  own  standard  and  sustain  it,  and  the  world  will 
be  better  or  worse  for  her  having  lived  in  it. 

Whether  Grace  Lintner  was  actuated  by  neces- 
sity or  ambition,  or  whether  she  was  in  search  of 
novelty  for  her  own  self-gratification,  it  matters  not 
to.  the  reader;  we  introduce  her  as  she  sits  upon 
the  deck  of  the  steamship  "Alabama,"  bound  for 
the  port  of  Savannah.  She  looks  into  the  sea, 
watches  the  huge  waves  rolling  and  dashing  un- 
ceasingly in  ever-changing  light  and  shadowy  feel- 
ing that,  literally  as  well  as  figuratively,  she  is  em- 
barking upon  the  sea  of  life,  trusting  to  the  ark 
of  safety  that  she  will  be  borne  upon  its  bosom, 
whether  peaceful  or  turbulent,  to  the  haven  whither 
she  is  bound. 

Upon  arriving  in  Georgia  she  was  led  to  enjoy 
the  contrast  between  the  snow-clad  hills  of  New 
England,  to  which  she  had  bidden  ''  adieu  ''  a  few 
da^^s  previous,  and  the  mild  atmosphere  of  a  hith- 
erto untried  latitude.  Shade  trees  were  clothed  in 
verdure,  flowers  w^ere  blooming,  and  many  new 
varieties  called  forth  both  w^onder  and  admiration. 
The  few  days  of  her  stay  were  terminated  by  the 
announcement  that  the  steamboat  was  ready,  which 
was  to  convey  her  to  the  journey's  end. 


42  BOND    AND    FREE. 

"The  Bay,"  loaded  with  flour  and  bacon  for 
Augusta,  slowly  pursued  her  course  around  the 
flexions  of  the  Savannah  river. 

The  magnolia,  bay,  cypress,  and  live  oak  over- 
hung the  water's  edge,  and  held  suspended  gar- 
lands of  moss.  Acres  of  palmetto  trees  shook  their 
long  Angers  in  the  wind  :  miles  of  canebrake  nod- 
ded their  tall  heads  to  the  sun,  while  here  and 
there,  a  broad  expanse  of  rice-field  showed  where 
busy  hands  had  gathered  the  grain  :  and  myriads 
of  sonorsters  filled  the  air  with  music. 

Supper  was  announced  in  the  little  cabin,  and, 
while  all  the  passengers  were  engaged  in  partaking 
of  it,  an  ominous  crash  was  heard  above,  causing 
them  to  rush  upon  deck  to  learn  what  had  hap- 
pened. "The  Ba}' "  backed  out,  as  the  pilot  re- 
plied to  the  inquiries  of  the  captain  : 

"  We're  afoul  a  cypress,  sir  ;  and  the  guards  are 
torn  ofl';  the  wheel-house. has  a  rub  too,  sir." 

"Chips"  was  called  to  repair  the  damage,  and 
the  captain,  not  considering  it  safe  to  proceed  in 
the  darkness,  remained  until  davbreak.  Next 
morning  all  hands  were  called,  and  the  little  steam- 
boat was  soon  tugging  on  up  the  river.  Few  stops 
were  made,  and  just  as  night  approached,  the  ar- 
ri\'al  at  Mark's  Landing  was  announced,  and  Grace 
prepared  to  disembark. 

The  captain  came  forward  and  offered  to  escort 
her,  sa3'ing,  "The  nighest  house.  Miss,  is  Tom 
Jones',  just  on  the  risin'  yonder."  nodding  his  head 
to  a  slight  elevation  from  the  river.  "  I'll  go  'long 
with   you,    it   looks  lonesome-like  in   the    dark." 


GRACE    LINTNER.  43 

Then  addressing  some  of  the  boat-hands,  he  added, 
"  Here,  boys,  take  the  young  hidy's  baggage." 

The  boys,  with  sailor-hke  promptness,  obeyed  ; 
two  of  them  caught  up  the  trunk,  the  third  took  a 
valise,  and  a  fourth  a  basket ;  and  all  proceeded 
toward  Tom  Jones'  house. 

Arriving  at  the  gate,  a  pack  of  hounds  came 
barking  and  howling  as  if  ready  to  devour  the 
whole  group.  The  captain  raised  his  stentorian 
voice  in  a  prolonged  shout,  to  which  the  owner  of 
the  premises  responded  by  a  similar  whoop,  ter- 
minating with  an  interrogative  inflection :  and, 
upon  receiving  information  from  the  captain,  that 
he  had  got  the  Major's  governess  in  tow%  and 
wanted  him  to  take  charge  of  her  all  night,  Tom 
Jones  drove  the  dogs  back  under  the  house,  and 
came  forward  to  escort  the  party  through  the  yard. 

The  captain,  after  seeing  that  Miss  Lintner  with 
her  baggage  was  safely  disposed  of,  bade  her 
"good-night,**  and  returned  to  his  boat,  followed 
by  the  bo3's. 

Grace  was  relieved  from  embarrassment  w^hen 
Mr.  Jones  addressed  her  : 

"The  Major  was  here  this  mornin'.  Miss,  and 
telled  me  as  how  you  war  a  comin*  fur  ter  teach 
his  chillun'  ;  and  he  telled  me  and  m}^  woman  to 
take  good  keer  of  vou,  and  fur  ter'  sen'  a  boy  over 
as  soon  as  you  come.  It's  nigh  on  to  four  mile  to 
the  Grove,  so  jes'  rest  eas}'  'til  to-m.orrow  mornin', 
and  ril  sen'  over." 

Mrs.  Jones,  a  dejected,  sallow-faced  woman, 
made  her  appearance,  and  invited  Grace  into  her 


44  BOND    AND    FREE. 

room,  where  a  fire  of  resinous  pine  knots  hissed, 
flashed,  and  threw  a  fitful,  glaring  hght  around  the 
apartment.  Two  or  three  chairs,  seated  with  un- 
tanned  cowhide,  and  two  bedsteads  that  had  evi- 
dently done  service  for  a  generation  long  since 
gone  to  their  final  rest,  constituted  the  entire  furni- 
ture. 

A  wild  looking  boy,  about  ten  3'ears  of  age,  oc- 
casionally peeped  in  at  the  door,  spat  toward  the 
new-comer,  then  ran  oft'  only  to  return  in  a  few 
minutes,  and  repeat  his  ungracious  salutation. 

Retiring  to  the  room  designated  to  her  use,  she 
took  the  precaution  to  barricade  the  door  with  her 
trunk.  By  converting  a  chair  into  a  ladder,  she 
made  the  ascent  to  a  high,  old-fashioned  bedstead. 

Earlv  next  morning  she  arose,  and  after  a  vain 
eftbrt  to  breakfast  upon  muddy  coftee  without  cream 
or  sugar,  fried  bacon,  and  bread  of  unbolted  corn 
meal,  she  anxiousl}^  awaited  the  arrival  of  Mr. 
Ninus.  It  was,  perhaps,  ten  o'clock  when  the 
carriage  drove  to  the  door,  accompanied  bv  one  of 
the  heavih^  built  wagons  used  at  that  time  in  the 
South  for  transportation,  and  brought  into  requisi- 
tion upon  this  occasion  to  convey  the  small  trunk 
and  valise  of  Miss  Lintner. 

A  drive  of  four  miles  across  a  level,  uninhabited 
country  brought  them  to  Mulberry  Grove.  When 
nearing  their  destination  they  were  met  b}^  a  mot- 
ley group  of  negro  children,  of  all  ages,  striving 
for  the  honor  of  opening  and  closing  the  three 
gates  through  which  they  passed  before  reaching 
the  house.     Following,   and  surrounding  the  car- 


GRACE    LINTNER. 


45 


riage,  they  expressed  the  natural  exuberance  of 
their  race  by  exhibitions  of  gymnastic  perform- 
ances, leaping  and  turning  somersaults. 

Mr.  Ninus  was  above  the  medium  height,  straight 
as  an  arrow,  muscularly  built,  with  broad  shoulders 
and  full  chest.  Chestnut  hair  was  combed  back 
so  as  to  display  an  expansive  forehead ;  and  a 
cleanly-shaven  face  gave  full  expression  to  the  mo- 
bility of  features  which  varied  in  conversation  to  a 
degree  common  with  ladies,  but  seldom  found  in 
gentlemen.  Notwithstanding  home-made  jeans, 
unpolished  linen,  and  coarse  leather  shoes,  his  elcr 
gance  in  manner,  affability  and  ease  in  conversa- 
tion, ranked  him  a  Chesterfield. 

"With  such  a  master,"  thought  Miss  Lintner, 
'*  slavery  must  lose  its  terror,  and  servitude  become 
easy." 

Arriving  at  the  house,  Grace's  idea  of  a  planter's 
home  failed  to  be  realized.  Instead  of  the  elegant 
mansion  her  fancy  had  pictured,  there  stood  upon 
piles,  a  large  "double  cabin,"  built  of  logs,  con- 
nected by  one  roof,  which  extended  over  an  un- 
enclosed space  of  perhaps  twelve  feet  or  more, 
between  the  two  sections.  Galleries,  extendin<j 
across  the  entire  front  and  rear,  were  important 
adjuncts,  being  occupied  during  the  day  by  mem- 
bers of  the  family  more  than  the  interior.  Two 
rooms  on  the  left  were  used  as  sleeping  apartments  ; 
on  the  right  was  the  library  and  a  room  now  ap- 
propriated to  the  sole  use  of  the  teacher. 

The  furniture  was  exceedingl}^  primitive,  and 
limited  to  such  few  articles  as  were  absolutely  es- 


46  BOND    AND    FREE. 

sential.  Carpets  and  modern  luxuries  had  never 
been  introduced  at  '•  Mulberry  Grove,"  so  called 
Irom  two  rows  of  English  mulberr}'  trees  which 
grew  in  the  yard. 

Grace  was  kindly  received  by  Mrs.  Ninus,  who 
introduced  her  four  daughters  by  their  regal  names, 
Elizabeth,  Victoria,  Maria  Antoinette,  and  Euge- 
nie. All  were  plainly  and  neatly  attired  in  calico 
dresses,  made  without  consulting  fashion  plates  or 
stvles.  They  had  sprightly,  intelligent  faces,  and 
Miss  Lintner  was  glad  to  find  promise  of  pleasure 
in  giving  instruction  to  minds  unimpressed  by 
"the  pomps  and  vanity  of  this  wicked  world." 

At  a  late  hour  dinner  was  served.  Two  servants 
were  called  to  set  the  table.  This  was  removed 
from  its  place  bv  the  wall  into  the  middle  of  the 
open  space  or  hall :  drop  leaves  raised  and  se- 
cured ;  a  table-cloth  of  Osnaburgh  cotton  was 
spread,  on  which  were  placed  dishes  of  common 
ware.  A  turke}^  stutled  w^ith  corn  bread,  a  boiled 
ham,  homin3%  and  corn  bread  prepared  in  various 
w^a3's,  comprised  the  bill  of  fare. 

After  dinner,  Mr.  Ninus  commenced  giving  his 
views  wdth  regard  to  the  education  of  his  daugh- 
ters, w^hich  he  wished  to  be  carried  out  by  Miss 
Lintner.  Their  instruction  was  to  be  confined  to 
the  acquisition  of  facts.  Their  minds  were  to  be 
so  unbiased  b}^  individual  opinions  that,  when  suf- 
ficiently matured,  they  would  be  unprejudiced,  and 
able  to  reason  for  themselves.  Mathematics,  ge- 
ography, and  history,  with  the  elements  of  their 
own  language,  would  be  enough  to  occupy  their 


GRACE    LINTNER.  47 

time  for  the  present,  since  the  eldest  was  but  thir- 
teen 3^ears  of  age.  He  never  had  read  any  works 
of  tiction,  neither  did  he  intend  his  daughters  to 
do  so  ;  and,  as  long  as  it  was  possible,  he  desired 
that  they  should  be  kept  in  ignorance  of  the  exist- 
ence of  such  productions.  He  expressed  an  utter 
detestation  of  falsehood  or  prevarication  in  any 
form.  "  There  is  enough  of  self-evident  truth  in  Na- 
ture," said  he,  "  to  occupy  the  mind  ;  enough  that 
is  true  and  beautiful,  without  fanciful  representa- 
tions of  what  is  unreal,  and  hypotheses,  mischievous 
as  well  as  absurd,  about  what  ma}-  or  may  not  be." 

As  the  families  of  a  brother  and  sister  were  to 
participate  in  forming  the  school,  a  temporary  log 
building  had  been  erected  at  a  spot  in  the  pine 
woods  which  would  be  equally  distant  for  all. 

The  following  Monday,  being  appointed  for  the 
commencement  of  co-operative  labor  on  the  part 
of  teacher  and  pupils.  Miss  Lintner  assumed  the 
chair  and  surveyed  the  field.  The  novelty  of  the 
situation  was  such  as  would  gratify  the  most  ro- 
mantic desire  of  3'outhful  imagination.  Unhewed 
pine  logs  emitted  a  pleasant,  resinous  odor ;  the 
interstices  between  them  were  convenient  harbors 
for  insects  and  lizards  ;  the  shingles  were  of  do- 
mestic manufacture,  and  served  to  lead  off  some 
•portion  of  the  falling  rain,  but  did  not  refuse  to  ad- 
mit light  between  their  irregular  sides  :  and  Grace 
learned  from  experience  to  invert  her  chair  and 
such  benches  as  were  needed,  when  the  school 
hovise  was  vacated,  or  they  would  be  unfit  for  use 
in  case  of  a  shower.     On  opposite  sides  had  been 


48  BOND    AND    FREE. 

left  openings  :  but  instead  of  glass  windows  there 
were  shutters  of  rough  boards ;  the  desks  and 
benches  were  finished  in  the  same  stj^le.  The 
chimney  was  built  of  pine  sticks  split  about  the 
size  of  laths,  and  covered  both  inside  and  outside 
with  cla}' ;  the  impression  of  the  hand  showing  the 
absence  of  a  trowel. 

John,  a  boy  about  twelve  years  of  age,  was  ap- 
pointed janitm*.  Each  morning,  when  cool  enough 
to  require  a  nre,  he  carried  a  smoking  "chunk," 
with  which  to  kindle  one.  Fallen  branches  from 
the  pine  trees  served  as  fuel  ;  young  pines  a  few 
feet  in  height  were  used  as  brooms,  soon  worn  out, 
and  replenished  without  cost.  At  first,  he  was  also 
entrusted  with  a  bucket  containing  the  luncheon, 
but  that  proving  too  serious  a  temptation,  he  was 
relieved  of  this  part  of  his  duty  by  one  of  the 
daughters. 

Although  the  brilliant  coloring  that  had  illumin- 
ated Miss  Lintner's  fancied  picture  of  Mr.  Ninus' 
Arcadian  home  had  become  materially  toned  down 
in  realization,  she  found  much  to  enjoy  that  was 
genial  both  in  the  climate  and  in  the  individuals 
with  whom  she  was  brought  in  contact.  So  entirely 
difi:erent  was  this  new  sphere  of  life  from  what  she 
had  hitherto  encountered  that  the  novelty  was  suffi- 
cient to  lend  a  charm  of  romance  even  to  the 
luncheon  as  teacher  and  children  encircled  the  fire 
in  the  clay  chimney,  toasting  slices  of  fat  bacon  to 
sandwich  in  cold  biscuits  with  corn-bread  and 
molasses  for  dessert. 


CHAPTER  VL 


CAROLINA      LIFE. 


Grace  Lixtner  anxiously  looked  forward  to 
Saturday,  when  the  weekly  mail  was  brought  from 
the  county  seat  to  a  little  store  a  mile  beyond  the 
school  house. 

John,  being  exempt  from  other  duties  that  day, 
set  out  with  a  calico  bag  over  his  shoulders,  leaving 
the  teacher  anxiously  waiting  till  he  should  return 
with  expected  letters.  Two  hours  rolled  on  and 
no  John  could  be  seen — one,  two  more,  and  still  no 
sound  of  John's  whistle  could  be  heard  through 
the  woods.  Except  Miss  Lintner,  no  one  seemed 
to  care  whether  he  came  or  not,  or  even  to  remem- 
ber that  it  was  mail-day. 

Absent  from  home,  how  she  longed  for  tidings 
from  the  dear  ones  there.  Tired  of  dela}',  she 
followed  the  course  he  had  taken,  as  if  to  expe- 
dite his  footsteps.  Wandering  through  a  forest  of 
gigantic  pines,  one  ma}'  believe  that  he  is  in  a 
cathedral  of  God's  architecture.  Immense  colon- 
nades of  pillars  extend  into  the  distance  far  up- 
ward ;  tufts  of  foliage  fresco  the  ceiling  of  heaven's 
own  blue  ;  wild  flowers  decorate  the  pavement ;  a 


50  BOND    AND    FREE. 

choir  of  birds  keep  harmony  with  the  winds  as 
they  harp  through  the  wir}^  pine  fohage,  and  chant, 
seldom  disturbed  by  the  footfall  or  voice  of  man. 

Here,  upon  the  trunk  of  a  prostrate  tree  lay 
John,  wrapt  in  deep  sleep.  On  the  ground  w^as 
the  mail-bag,  and  its  precious  contents. 

Seating  herself  by  the  sleeping  boy,  she  found 
several  letters  that  brought  news  of  the  busy  life  at 
home,  remembrances  of  friends  ;  and  one,  bearing 
a  foreign  postmark,  twice  re-mailed,  had  reached 
her  in  that  wild  spot. 

There  she  sat,  thinking  of  the  dear  ones  so  far 
away,  till  lengthening  shadows  reminded  her  that 
she  was  in  the  woods  alone,  with  nobody  but  John, 
and  he  was  nobodv.  Yet  John  was  something  if 
not  somebody,  for  that  morning  he  had  replied  to 
a  fellow-servant :  "You  sa3^s  Fs  no  'count,  does 
you?  I  reckon  I  is  some  'count.  Didn't  you  hear 
massa  say  I's  wuffive  hunner  dollar?  I  reckon 
five  hunner  dollars  some  'count."  So  valuable  a 
commodity  must  be  cared  for.  Arousing  him,  she 
proceeded  toward  Mulberry  Grove. 

In  densely  populated  communities,  where  in- 
dividuals are  in  constant  intercourse  with  each 
other,  we  find  the  masses  "measuring  themselves 
by  themselves,"  to  a  greater  or  less  degree; 
stronger  minds  take  the  lead  and  weaker  ones  fol- 
low in  the  train  ;  men  think  as  others  think,  work 
as  others  work,  and  dress  as  others  dress.  Cus- 
tom regulates  the  hours  for  rising,  eating  and  re- 
tiring. Fashion  cuts  the  patterns,  and  the  major- 
ity employ  tailors  and  dressmakers  to    make  them 


CAROLINA    LIFE.  5  I 

look  as  Others  do.  What  Mrs.  Grundy  says  has 
far  more  influence  over  the  gay  world  than  the  an- 
tiquated law  of  Moses.  But  where  men  live  iso- 
lated from  society,  uninfluenced  by  what  others 
may  sa}^  or  think,  they  are  more  independent  in 
their  views,  and  are  more  apt  to  form  their  own 
standard  of  propriety  or  moral  obligation.  If  deep 
thinkers  and  close  readers,  they  are  likely  to  set 
aside  the  opinions  of  others,  and  establish  their  own 
theories,  whether  in  philosophy,  theology,  or  any 
other  subject  which  may  arrest  their  attention. 

George  Ninus  was  one  of  this  class.  Left  an 
orphan  at  an  early  age,  when  only  seventeen  he 
married,  having  already  devolving  upon  him  the 
care  of  a  sister,  two  younger  brothers,  a  large  plan- 
tation, and  numerous  slaves. 

Physically  and  mentally  matured,  he  was  not  a 
boy,  but  a  man,  better  qualified  for  his  duties  than 
many  ten  years  his  senior.  When  Grace  Lintner 
entered  his  family  he  was  thirty-three.  His  sister 
and  brothers  had  received  such  advantages  of  edu- 
cation as  could  be  obtained  at  a  respectable  board- 
ing school  in  a  neighboring  district,  and  were  well 
settled  near,  on  rice  and  cotton  plantations.  The 
slaves  had  been  divided  into  four  lots,  and  distrib- 
uted among  the  heirs.  By  economy  and  good 
management,  this  elder  brother  had  bought  the 
claims  to  the  old  estate  from  his  sister  and  younger 
brothers. 

His  library  was  stored  with  valuable  authentic 
histories  and  standard  works.  He  never  hesitated 
purchasing  a  book  on   account  of  its   high  price ; 


52  BOND    AND    FREE. 

while  clothing,  household  conveniences,  and  the 
store  house  were  provided  for  with  rigid  economy, 
and  confined  to  such  articles  as  were  absolutely 
necessary.  He  would  argue  ^'Mind  is  immortal,  it 
must  be  nourished,  cultivated,  improved  and  per- 
fected ;  but  the  body  is  perishable  ;  to  deck  it  with 
finery,  or  pamper  it  with  dainties,  betokens  the  ig- 
norance of  savages  or  the  efteminac}^  of  weak 
minds."  He  willingly  paid  a  liberal  salar}^  for  the 
services  of  a  well  educated  governess,  and  bought 
ever3'thing  his  children  required  for  their  mental 
improvement ;  but  luxuries  were  as  foreign  to  his 
own  abode  as  to  the  cabins  of  his  bond-servants. 
In  the  library,  and  with  her  sketch  book.  Miss 
Lintner  passed  man}^  a  leisure  hour.  Birds,  butter- 
flies, insects  of  various  kinds  were  portra^^ed  by  her 
skillful  hand,  in  water  colors.  Wild  flowers  in  end- 
less variety,  found  in  her  rambles,  were  collected, 
anah^zed  and  pressed  for  an  herbarium.  Although 
the  scener}^  presented  little  to  admire  as  a  land- 
scape, there  was  many  a  gem  in  the  tangled  wilder- 
ness, and  many  a  spot  of  beauty  worthy  of  being- 
preserved  in  memor}'  by  her  pencil.  So  wonderful 
appeared  these  productions  in  the  estimation  of  the 
children,  that  they  also  sought  subjects  for  her 
handiwork,  and  were  delighted  to  be  permitted  to 
draw  and  paint  for  themselves. 

Amongst  the  servants  who  had  been  recently 
added  to  the  family  at  Mulberry  Grove  was  a  wait- 
ress named  Letitia.  Miss  Lintner  had  frequently 
observed,  that  while  occupied  in  the  many  duties 
required,  Letitia  manifested  intelligence  far  supe- 


CAROLINA    LIFE.  53 

rior  to  that  of  other  servants.  Unlike  the  negro 
dialect,  her  language  was  pure  and  correct,  and 
every  movement  graceful.  With  golden  hair, 
slightly  wavy,  and  inclined  to  detach  itself  into 
ringlets,  blue  eyes  and  delicately  modeled  features, 
a  yellow  tint  in  the  complexion  was  the  only  be- 
trayal of  African  blood. 

It  was  not  long  before  Letitia  begged  the  privi- 
lege of  bringing  in  her  bed,  and  sleeping  in  the 
room  with  Miss  Lintner.  Feeling  lonely  in  her 
side  of  the  house,  the  governess  was  glad  to  ac- 
cede to  the  request  and  obtained  the  consent  of 
Mrs.  Ninus.  A  blanket  and  shuck  pillow  com- 
posed the  entire  bedding,  which  was  easily  brought 
in  and  conveved  awav.  Durincr  the  dav  it  was 
tucked  out  of  sight  in  a  corner  of  the  kitchen,  or 
spread  for  ventilation  upon  a  fence.  Being  laid 
upon  the  uncarpeted  floor  it  served  to  rest  the  tired 
girl,  who  was  called  early  and  employed  till  late 
at  night. 

As  lady  and  bond-servant  a  barrier  existed  be- 
tween the  two  ;  as  girls  of  the  same  age,  removed 
from  earl}^  ties  and  associations,  -  each  without  a 
sympathizing  friend,  in  the  quietude  of  their  room, 
the  barrier  vanished ;  and,  little  by  little,  they 
came  to  confide  in  each  other.  Miss  Lintner  told 
of  her  early  home  and  of  fond  dreams  for  the  fu- 
ture.    Letitia  related  her  history. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


LETITIA     S    STORY. 


"My  father  was  Capt.  James  Templeton.  He 
owned  a  line  of  trading  vessels  running  from  Nor- 
folk, Virginia,  to  Charleston  and  Jamaica.  The 
estate  where  we  were  all  born  and  lived  was  above 
Norfolk,  not  man}-  miles  from  the  James  river.  It 
was  a  dear  home,  and,  under  the  superintendence 
of  mother,  with  her  overseer,  we  had  an  abund- 
ance of  everything  to  make  us  happy  and  com- 
fortable, for  father  was  at  home  so  little  during  my 
childhood  that  the  management  of  the  place  de- 
volved upon  mother.  Sometimes  it  seems  so  much 
like  a  dream  to  me  that  I  do  not  like  to  think  how 
happy  we  were  then.  Father  owned  all  our  work- 
hands  and  house-servants  ;  and  mother  often  told 
me  that  she  had  been  a  slave  and  was  bought  by 
father  at  the  market  in  New  Orleans  on  account 
of  her  beauty.  And  she  was  beautiful,  for  I  well 
remember  her  features  ;  her  eyes  and  hair  were 
black,  her  cheeks  red  as  roses,  although  her  skin 
was  like  that  of  a  hght  mulatto.  None  of  us  in- 
herited her  face,  but  father^s.  He  had  light  hair, 
blue  eyes,  and,  but  for  exposure  to  the  sun,  would 
have  been  ver}-  fair." 


LETITIA  S    STORY.  55 

''Where  were  your  parents  married?"  asked 
Miss  Lintner. 

"  They  were  married  in  Xew  Orleans.  The  YW- 
ginia  plantation  was  bought  soon  afterwards,  when 
father  employed  a  governess  to  teach  mother,  who 
applied  herself  so  diligently  to  study  that  she  be- 
came as  well  educated  as  other  ladies.  Yet  she 
never  went  into  society,  neither  would  father's  rel- 
atives nor  our  neighbors  visit  at  our  house,  except 
on  business.  We  were  all  taught  together  at  home 
until  sister  Mary  was  sixteen,  when  she  went  North 

and  was  placed  in  a  boarding  school   at   N . 

She  at'terwards  married  a  gentleman,  in  X ,  and 

was  living  there  when  I  left  Virginia.  Brothers 
James  and  Oscar  (we  alwa^'s  called  the  latter  '  Little 
Buddie')  were  also  sent  North  to  be  educated,  as 
they  grew  up,  but  our  governess  continued  to  give 
me  instructions.     After  spending  several  vears  at 

N they  went  to  Germany,  where  brother  James 

was  desirous  to  study  tor  the  medical  profession. 
There  was  a  classical  department  in  the  same  col- 
lege which  '  Little  Buddie '  entered,  as  father 
wished  his  two  sons  to  be  tofifether. 

''  Did  not  \^our  father  give  his  wife  and  children 
their  freedom?  "  inquired  Miss  Lintner. 

"  He  was  either  indifferent  or  negligent  about  it, 
and  it  was  onh^  at  mother's  earnest  solicitation  that 
father  had  emancipation  papers  made  out  for  sister 
Mary  at  the  time  she  was  sent  away  to  school,  and 
the  same  for  my  brothers." 

''  I  should  think  you  would  have  gone  also," 
suggested  Miss  Lintner. 


56  BOND    AND    FREE. 

''  I  could  not  leave  mother  when  the  rest  were 
absent,  so  the  governess  remained  with  us  till  after 
mother's  death,  being  a  companion  as  well  as  a 
teacher.  For  several  years  father  had  been  sub- 
ject to  attacks  of  neuralgia,  during  which  he 
needed  the  best  care  we  could  bestow  upon  him 
at  home,  and  he  had  been  trying  to  arrange  his 
business  aiiairs  so  that  he  could  remain  at  the 
plantation  altogether.  Mother  died  when  I  was 
nearly  eighteen.  Father  never  recovered  from  the 
effect  of  her  death,  and  afterwards  looked  to  me 
for  care  in  sickness  and  for  charge  over  the  ser- 
vants. It  united  us  more  than  hitherto  ;  and  I 
found  m3^self  going  to  him  for  sympathy  and 
advice  upon  matters  that  would  have  been  carried 
to  mother  had  she  been  living.  Parent  and  child 
could  not  have  been  more  dependent  upon  each 
other.  Whenever  it  was  necessar}^  for  him  to  go 
to  Norfolk,  Charleston  or  Jamaica,  I  went  also. 
Anxiously  did  we  look  forward  to  the  time  when 
brothers  would  return,  as  the  attacks  of  neural ori a 
increased  in  severity  and  frequency  until  the  heart 
became  involved,  and  our  ph^'sician  advised  father 
to  arrange  his  atiairs,  since  he  was  liable  to  be 
taken  suddenly  away.  Father  said  he  had  made  a 
will ;  but,  to  avoid  trouble,  he  was  intending  to 
have  me  legally  emancipated,  and  to  give  me  a 
deed  to  the  old  homestead,  as  sister  Mar}^  and  my 
brothers  had  been  otherwise  provided  for.  By  the 
time  I  was  sixteen  or  seventeen  vears  old  I  began 
to  realize  the  stain  that  affected  my  social  position, 
and  I  made  a  study  of  the  miscegenation  of  races. 


letitia's  story.  57 

It  was  incidentally  presented  to  my  mind  in  read- 
ing histor}',  and  I  made  a  thorough  investigation  of 
the  subject  among  writings  sacred  and  profane. 
The  result  was  that  I  became  convinced  that  it  was 
a  violation  of  God's  law ;  for  the  three  great  na- 
tionalities descending  from  Noah  remained  distinct 
for  thousands  of  years,  and  we  only  find  now  and 
then  an  isolated  case  of  intermarriage  until  the  use 
of  large  ships  facilitated  intercourse  between  remote 
countries.  Fullv  impressed  with  the  idea  that  my 
ancestors,  on  mother's  side,  had  violated  the  law 
of  nature,  and  that  the  curse  would  fall  upon  the 
children  'unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation,'  I 
resolved  not  to  marr^-.  The  promise  of  a  protect-- 
ing  arm  from  a  noble  lover,  with  all  the  ease  and 
luxury  that  wealth  could  bestow,  did  not  turn  me 
from  my  resolution ;  nor  do  I  regret  the  step, 
although  it  has  cost  me  dear.  Sometimes,  how- 
ever, the  thought  involuntarily  presents  itself  that 
I  made  a  mistake  in  refusing  George  Melburn  ;  a 
thought  that  increases  mv  misery.  I  can  only 
banish  it  and  assure  m3^self  that  I  have  done  right. 

"  Oh,  Miss  Lintner,  when  father's  life  went  out, 
all  that  was  bright  and  beautiful  in  this  world  faded 
away,  and  left  nothing  but  darkness  !  The  cloud 
hovers  around  low  and  thick  and  I  have  nothing 
to  look  forward  to. 

"  O!  my  father,  why  did  3'ou  not  from  earliest 
infancy,  consign  me  to  ignorance  and  servitude  ! 
If  there  be  only  one  drop  of  x\frican  blood  in  my 
veins,  and  that  drop  diffused  through  my  entire 
existence,  and  that  existence  continued  during  the 


58  BOND    AND    FREE. 

longest  period  allotted  to  man,  it  is  enough  to  blot 
out  from  my  life  all  happiness  ;  to  bar  me  against 
freedom  ;  to  exclude  me  from  social  intercourse 
with  the  Caucasian,  and  place  me  on  a  level  with 
a  race  so  recently  removed  from  barbarism." 

Sitting  upon  the  dingy  blanket,  with  her  small, 
delicately  formed  hands,  roughened  by  toil,  clasped 
around  her  knees,  her  head  drooped,  and  her 
whole  frame  was  convulsed  with  grief.  A  large 
coil  of  golden  hair  slowly  disengaged  itself  from 
a  thorn  which  had  served  as  a  hair  pin,  and  fell 
over  her  beautifully  moulded  shoulders  in  wild  pro- 
fusion, a  wealth  of  which  an  empress  might  be 
proud.  A  coarse  Osnaburg  frock  did  not  hide  two 
well  shaped  feet  that  pressed  the  soiled  blanket. 

The  last  remnants  of  a  tallow  candle,  flickering 
and  sputtering  in  the  socket,  flashed  up  with  a  fit- 
ful glare  and  left  the  room  in  darkness.  Miss 
Lintner  then  spoke. 

"  Letitia,  there  is  a  God  who  overrules  all;  let 
us  put  our  trust  in  Him." 

"  I  know  it,"  said  the  weeping  girl,  "but  He 
has  forgotten  me." 

Several  days  elapsed  before  an  opportunity^  was 
offered  for  Letitia  to  resume  her  narrative,  which 
she  did  as  follows  : 

"  Father  left  us  suddenly,  as  had  been  predicted, 
and  away  from  home.  On  our  place  was  the 
family  burial  ground,  where  mother  was  buried, 
and  where  father  expected  to  rest  by  her  side  ;  but 
father's  half-brother  managed  ever3^thing  without 
consulting  me.     The  funeral  services  were  held  in 


LETITIA  S    STORY.  59 

the  church,  and  he  was  buried  in  the  cemetery  at 

G .       iNIr.    Templeton     and    his    family    were 

dressed  in  deep  mourning,  and  were  very  demon- 
strative in  their  grief.  I  went  in  our  own  carriage 
with  Uncle  Joe,  and  as  man}'  of  the  servants  as 
could  be  spared  followed,  for  father  was  a  kind 
master  and  much  beloved  by  all. 

"After  the  burial.  Mr.  Templeton  drove  out  to 
the  farm,  went  all  around  inspecting  the  negroes 
and  giving  orders  as  if  they  were  his  own.  Send- 
ing to  me  for  the  keys,  which  were  never  returned, 
he  made  a  thorough  examination  of  the  store- 
houses of  grain,  tobacco,  meat  and  other  provi- 
sions, and  left  without  coming  into  the  house. 

"Joe  stopped  his  work  and  looked  after  him  un- 
til he  disappeared  over  the  hill,  then  coming  up  on 
the  porch,  with  the  same  troubled  look  he  had  worn 
when  bringing  the  sad  intelligence  of  father's  ill- 
ness, began,  '  'Skuse  me,  Miss  'Titia,  but  I  jis 
want  fur  ter  ax  you,  is  you  got  your  free  papers?  ' 

"  '  Why,  Joe?  '  I  asked. 

"  '  I  jis  tells  you  what.  Miss  'Titia,  I  don't  like 
dat  ar'  Maus  Hunt  come  bossin'  roun'  like  he 
owned  dis  plantation.  I  seed  'im  all  time,  pokin' 
all  'round  ev'place.     Did  he  sen'  back  de  keys?' 

"  '  No,  Joe  ;  he  did  not,'  I  answered.  '  He  has 
all  the  keys,  except  this  bunch,  belonging  in  the 
house.' 

"Joe  shook  his  head.  'I  don't  mind  for  Joe, 
Miss  Titia,  but  I  hope  3'ou's  got  your  free  papers 
all  safe.  Dar's  a  dark  cloud  a  comin',  an"  we  orter 
be  fix  fur  de  storm.' 


6o  BOND    AND    FREE. 

"  I  told  Joe  how  it  was,  for  in  my  loneliness  and 
grief,  the  sympatic  of  the  faithful  creature  called 
out  my  confidence.  I  told  him  that  father's  errand 
had  been  to  get  them,  but  I  feared  it  had  not  been 
accomplished. 

"  That  evening  I  wrote  to  sister  Mary  and  to  my 
brothers,  informing  them  what  had  happened,  and 
begged  Mary  to  come  on  immediatel}^,  also  to 
father's  business  agents,  intending  to  send  the  let- 
ters to  the  postoftice  the  next  morning.  But  Mr. 
Templeton  foiled  my  plans  by  presenting  himself 
before  we  had  taken  breakfast.  When  excited  or 
annoyed,  he  had  a  habit  of  contracting  the  mus- 
cles of  his  forehead  in  such  a  way  as  to  bring  his 
scalp  down  to  his  eves,  at  the  same  time  elevating 
his  heavy  eyebrows,  until  I  doubt  whether  Satan 
himself  could  wear  a  more  diabolical  expression. 
With  this  face  he  arrived,  assumed  the  air  of  dic- 
tator, and  ordered  all  the  servants  to  stand  before 
him.  They  assembled  in  the  vard,  while  he  ad- 
dressed them  from  the  porch.  I  was  sitting  in  the 
family  room,  and,  oh.  Miss  Lintner !  ma}'  you 
never  know  what  it  is  to  be  alone,  without  a  pro- 
tector, like  a  poor  little  bird,  as  a  fierce  hawk 
swoops  down,  grasps  it  in  his  talons,  and  bears  it 
away  to  be  torn  by  a  cruel  captor.  He  said  he  was 
sole  heir  to  his  brother's  estate,  and  hereafter  they 
must  look  to  him  as  master.  If  they  obeyed  or- 
ders, they  would  all  remain,  as  hitherto,  under  the 
oversight  of  a  man  who  would  soon  be  there  to  su- 
perintend the  plantation.     If,   on  the  other  hand, 


letitia's  story.  6 1 

any  one  of  them  dared  to  disobe}',  they  would  find 
out  who  was-  master. 

*'  This  threat  he  emphasized  by  raising  a  whip  he 
held  in  his  hand,  and  bringing  it  around  through 
the  air,  with  a  snap  as  loud  as  the  report  of  a  pis- 
tol. Then,  with  a  flash  in  his  black  e^^es,  he  or- 
dered them  all  oft'  to  their  work,  except  Joe. 

"  Turning  to  him,  he  said,  '  Get  out  your  Sunda}' 
clothes.'  'As  to  you,  Titia,'  he  added,  coming 
into  the  house  and  addressing  me,  '  Fm  thinking 
my  fine  lad}'  will  have  something  to  do  hereafter, 
'cept  makin'  rufiies,  and  straightening  the  nigger 
kink  out  o'  her  hair  ;  get  your  bonnet  and  shawl 
and  come  on  ;  you  won't  find  me  like  3'our  old 
master,  I  '11  bet  a  gallon  of  whisky.'  I  was  too 
much  frightened  to  do  otherwise,  and,  going  to  my 
room,  I  hastily  crowded  a  few  things  into  my  valise 
and  traveling  belt.  This  was  a  buckskin  belt  con- 
taining a  pocket  for  money,  another  for  a  brace  of 
pistols,  and  a  third  for  ammunition.  It  had  been 
made  at  father's  suggestion,  and  was  alread}-  pre- 
pared for  our  anticipated  visit  to  Charleston." 

"  Did  you  understand  using  the  pistol?"  inter- 
posed Miss  Lintner. 

"  Oh,  yes  I  Father  taught  me  the  use  of  the  rifle 
and  pistol. 

"Poor  Joe,  I  forgot  my  own  trouble  in  his  dis- 
tress at  parting  with  his  famih^  '  De  Lord  knows 
what  dis  is  all  fur.  Miss  'Titia,  but  he'll  fix  it  right  in 
de  en','  was  his  consolation. 

"At  Norfolk,  we  were  put  aboard  a  schooner 
bound  for  the  Florida  coast.     I  suppose  Mr  Tem- 


62 


BOND    AND    FREE. 


pleton  was  anxious  to  take  the  first  means  of  con- 
veying me  beyond  the  reach  of  am^  who  might  re- 
cognize me.  I  had  frequently  been  in  Charleston 
and  Savannah,  and,  had  he  taken  us  to  either  place 
he  would  have  been  likely  to  meet  with  father's 
friends.  As  we  were  salable  commodities,  he 
could  more  effectuallv  accomplish  his  object  and 
carry  out  his  villainous  plans  in  this  manner,  and 
at  the  same  time  pocket  the  value  received  for  his 
trouble.  After  a  long,  tedious  sail,  during  which  I 
was  subjected  to  every  discomfort,  and  exposure  to 
the  weather,  as  well  as  jeers  and  insults  that  effer- 
vesced from  a  corrupt  heart,  where  they  had  been 
concealed  for  so  many  years,  we  reached  a  spot 
near  enough  to  the  land  to  discover  a  cluster  of  or- 
ange trees  and  a  cabin.  An  anchor  was  dropped 
and  a  boat  sent  ashore  with  the  intention  of  buying 
oranges.  Mr.  Templeton  went  in  the  boat,  and 
returned,  bringing  the  man  v/ho  dwelt  in  that  lone- 
ly place.  Both  Joe  and  I  were  sold  and  put  ashore 
with  the  man.  Unless,  like  Cain,  he  had  been 
guilty  of  some  heinous  crime,  and  was  exiled  from 
the  abode  of  mankind,  I  could  never  understand 
how  an}'  one  could  choose  to  isolate  himself  in  such 
a  desert.  With  the  exception  of  a  few  orange 
trees  and  a  patch  of  sweet  potatoes,  his  food  was 
obtained  by  hunting  and  fishing.  Joe  was  sent  to 
hoe  the  potatoes  and  a  few  hills  of  sugar  cane. 
The  cooking  was  done  by  an  old  half-breed  Indian 
hag,  over  a  camp  fire.  The  onlv  building  was  a 
log  cabin  with  no  floor  but  the  earth.  In  two  cor- 
ners were   beds  built  by    placing    saplings    upon 


letitia's  story.  6^ 

crotched  sticks  driven  into  the  ground,  and  palmetto 
leaves  laid  across,  supporting  a  collection  of  pine 
straw,  covered  by  dirty  blankets. 

"  At  first  it  was  a  mvstery  to  me  why  I  had  been 
bought ;  there  was  barely  enough  to  keep  Joe's  time 
employed  in  the  held,  and  there  was  little  to  be 
done  in  such  a  miserable  hovel.  His  disgusting 
advances  to  familiarity,  and  coarse,  profane  flattery, 
excited  my  indignation  in  the  extreme.  When  re- 
pelled, he  would  exclaim  with  a  jerk  of  the  head, 
'Ho  I  ho  I  m}^  pretty  bird  ;  you  are  in  my  trap  now, 
and  m}^  game  is  caught  for  keeps  ;'  and  walk  oft' 
with  a  loud,  boisterous  laugh  that  chilled  the  blood 
in  mv  veins  with  horror  to  think  of  beino-  in  the 
power  of  such  a  wretch. 

"  This  kind  of  persecution  was  continued  until  en- 
durance seemed  no  longer  possible.  Having  pre- 
viously planned  an  escape,  I  watched  the  time  when 
the  man  (Thomas  Raredon)  and  the  old  hag  were 
sleeping  heavily  from  the  effects  of  whisky  obtained 
from  the  schooner,  then  I  awoke  Joe  and  together 
we  started  off'.  We  did  not  forget  to  take  a  piece 
of  venison  that  had  been  left  from  the  last  meal  ; 
and,  with  no  guide  but  the  polar  star,  no  protection 
but  my  brace  of  pistols  and  a  small  quantit}'  of  am- 
munition, we  entered  upon  the  chance  of  saving 
ourselves  by  flight. 

"Judging  from  the  time  we  passed  the  mouth  of 
the  St.  Johns  before  landing  from  the  schooner, 
that  we  would  be  able  to  reach  that  river  by  pur- 
suing a  westerly  course,  proceeded  in  that  direc- 
tion, taking  the  precaution  to  w^alk  some  distance 


64  BOND    AND    FREE. 

in  the  edge  of  the  inlet  of  water  to  avoid  discoveiy 
by  tracks.  Then,  penetrating  through  a  dense 
fi^rowth  of  scrub  palmetto,  we  toiled  onward  and 
westward.  It  was  a  hard  night's  work,  whether 
wading  in  sand  or  water,  or  through  forests  inhab- 
ited only  by  stinging  insects,  reptiles  and  wild 
beasts  ;  yet  it  was  not  so  dreadful  as  remaining  in 
the  presence  of  such  a  man.  When  daylight 
dawned  I  could  go  no  further,  and  began  to  look 
for  a  hiding  place  to  rest.  Uncle  Joe  discovered 
a  huge  live  oak  which,  in  some  fierce  storm,  had 
been  uprooted  and  thrown  down.  Under  this  was 
a  considerable  space,  which  he  cleared  from  accu- 
mulated decayed  vegetation,  lest  snakes  or  ven- 
omous insects  might  be  harbored  there.  Then 
collecting  pine-straw  and  palmetto  leaves  we  made 
a  cleanly  resting  place. 

"  We  ate  the  venison  and  I  lay  down  to  sleep  ;  I 
was  just  closing  mv  eves  when,  aroused  bv  Uncle 
Joe's  voice,  I  looked  up  to  see  him  kneeling  in 
pra^^er.  As  near  as  I  remember,  this  was  his  pe- 
tition : 

"  '  Bress  de  Lord,  O,  m}^  soul!  an'  praise  'is 
holy  name,  'kase  we's  got  awa}^  from  dat  ole  wil- 
lian.  Make  Miss  'Titia  strong,  O,  Lord  !  to  walk 
on  de  tudder  way  ;  an'  make  me  strong,  O,  Lord, 
fur  ter  take  keer  on  'er.  Stretch  out  your  arm  and 
take  good  keer  o'  Dinah  an'  de  chillun.  I's  a 
mis'ble  sinner,  and  don't  'sarve  to  ax  for  a  crumb  ; 
but  jis  holp  me,  and  keep  on  a  holpin'  me  till  we 
all  come  out  right  in  de  en'  ;  den  ketch  us  up  in 
de  w'ite  cloud  imto  glory.  BressdeLord.    Amen.' 


letitia's  story.  65 

"With  e3'es  closed  and  hands  clasped,  Uncle 
Joe's  pra3^er  filled  m}^  soul  with  trust  that  the 
blessed  Jesus,  who  knew  what  it  was  to  wander 
forty  days  in  the  wilderness,  would  send  his  an- 
gels to  protect  us  from  harm,  and  strengthen  us  for 
the  journey  but  just  begun.  With  these  thoughts 
I  dropped  asleep,  and  when  again  awake  the  sun 
had  passed  the  meridian.  Uncle  Joe  was  sleep- 
ing, having  concealed  the  entrance  to  our  hiding 
place  with  brush.  I  quieth'  rose  and  examined 
our  quarters,  when  a  pair  of  eyes  appeared  gazing 
at  me  through  the  bushes.  At  first  I  was  startled, 
but  in  a  moment  saw  that  it  was  a  rabbit.  Care- 
fully withdrawing  my  pistol,  I  fired  and  killed  the 
animal.  Joe  instantly  sprang  up,  bewildered,  and 
exclaimed,  '  Who  dat,  hone}^ ;  is  ye  killed?  Who 
dat  shootin'  ?  ' 

"  From  this  time  he  dropped  the  title  by  which  he 
had  hitherto  addressed  me,  and  seeming  to  regard 
me  as  a  child  under  his  care,  called  me  'Honey.' 

"  I  picked  up  the  rabbit,  showed  it  to  him,  and 
explained  that  I  had  shot  it.  He  examined  it  and 
the  pistol  in  his  own  puzzled  way.  When  the  act 
became  clear  to  his  mind,  he  expressed  himself, 
'  De  Lord  sent  dat  rabbit  here,  sure,  jist  a  purpose 
fur  de  chile.  Did  I  eber  see  de  like?  I  use  to 
sk:eer  awful  to  see  ole  massa  show  3^ou  how  to  shoot 
guns  an'  sich,  but  the  Lord  knowed  w'at  he  was 
a  'doin'.  He'll  make  it  come  out  right  in  de  en'.' 
Taking  the  pistol  he  asked  me  how  it  was  loaded, 
and  would  haye  been  glad  to  learn  how  to  use  it, 
but  the  small  quantity  of  ammunition  in  my  pos 


66  BOND    AND    FREE. 

session  rendered  it  important  to  preserve  every 
charge. 

"The  rabbit  was  dressed  and  cooked  for  our 
dinner." 

"  How  did  voii  succeed  in  making  a  lire?  Had 
3^ou  matches?"  inquired  Miss  Lintner. 

"  Uncle  Joe  had  always  been  in  the  habit  of 
smoking,  and  had  an  old  tinder-box  by  means  of 
which  he  was  accustomed  to  light  his  pipe.  It 
proved  a  great  blessing." 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
letitia's  story  continued. 

"  My  shoes  were  in  a  sad  condition,  having  been 
worn  out  previous  to  our  night's  walk.  They  were 
so  badly  torn  as  to  afford  but  little  protection  to  my 
feet.  Joe  discovered  some  bear  grass,  and  ingen- 
iously plaited  the  tough  blades,  forming  moccasins  ; 
they  were  clumsy  indeed,  but  I  could  walk  in  them 
with  ease.  As  a  cool  breeze  sprung  up  toward  night 
we  concluded  to  follow  the  sun  once  more,  and  did 
not  rest  until  somewhere  near  midnight.  Being 
attracted  by  a  light,  we  approached  and  discov- 
ered a  camp-fire  burning  near  a  cabin,  where  two 
or  three  persons  were  engaged  in  cooking.  We 
also  discovered  a  large  unenclosed  patch  of  sweet 
potatoes,  and  running  his  hand  along  in  the  hills, 
Uncle  Joe  procured  some  for  food.  Had  we  made 
ourselves  known  in  offering  to  pay  for  them,  very 
likely  it  would  have  led  to  our  capture.  There 
were  a  great  many  ponds  where  we  could  procure 
water,  such  as  it  was. 

"  On  we  traveled  several  days,  through  an  almost 
uninhabited  countrv,  only  two  or  three  times  pass- 
ing clearings  where  we  found  sweet  potatoes  ;  at 
other  times  I  shot  a  bird  or  some  other  game. 


68  BOND    AND    FREE. 

'*  We  had  man}-  annoyances  ;  the  woods  and  all 
low  places  w^ere  filled  with  mosquitoes  ;  sand  flies 
would  sometimes  come  in  dense  swarms,  making 
us  nearly  wild  with  their  poisonous  stings  ;  the  dark- 
ness of  night  was  made  hideous  b}'  the  screeching 
of  birds,  which  were  quiet  during  the  day  ;  wild 
animals  prowling  about,  opossums,  foxes,  raccoons 
and  wildccits  frequently  investigated  our  lodgings  ; 
toward  morning  alligators  bellowed  from  pond  to 
pond,  and  twice  we  encountered  these  creatures 
traveling  in  our  path.  One  day  we  were  without 
food,  except  a  few  huckleberries,  and  once  or  twice 
we  came  across  wild  oranges  ;  this  fruit,  which, 
under  other  circumstances  would  have  been  con- 
sidered very  bitter,  now  seemed  delicious. 

*'  At  last  the  broad  waters  of  the  St.  John  broke 
upon  our  view.  It  was  a  welcome  sight ;  and,  if 
it  would  carr}^  us  out  to  liberty  upon  its  bosom,  we 
were  ready  to  forget  the  fact  of  its  serving  as 
drainage  for  such  a  forsaken  region.  My  inten- 
tion was,  with  the  mone}'  I  had,  to  find  a  w^ay  to 
Jacksonville,  from  thence  to  New  York. 

"  It  was  necessarv  to  find  aid  in  canying  out 
this  project,  therefore  we  made  ourselves  known  to 
a  family  of  poor  people  living  near  the  river,  and 
through  them  obtained  shoes  and^  some  necessar}^ 
articles  of  clothing. 

''We  told  them  we  were  on  our  way  to  Jackson- 
ville, and  inquired  for  a  boat  in  which  to  obtain 
passage.  Fortunateh'  they  owned  a  small  boat, 
which  thev  used  for  transporting  supplies  for  the, 
people  in  that  neighborhood,  and  we  readily  made 


letitia's  story.  69 

a  contract  for  a  conveyance  down  the  river.  Find- 
ing we  were  willing  to  repay  their  trouble,  they 
provided  us  with  stores  of  dried  venison,  corn- 
meal  and  sea-bread  for  the  passage. 

"After  four  days'  sail,  w^e  set  our  feet  upon  land 
once  more.  Our  efforts  were  now  turned  toward 
getting  information  as  to  the  best  method  to  reach 
New  York. 

"  Seeing  a  paper  tacked  upon  a  tree  near  where 
we  were  standing  I  attracted  Uncle  Joe's  attention 
to  it,  thinking  it  must  be  a  notice  of  a  steamboat. 
It  read  thus  : 

" '  Ran  away  from  Thomas  Raredon,  on  the  coast,  Volusia 
county,  Florida  :  Two  slaves  ;  Joe,  five  feet  ten  inches  high,  full 
blooded  African,  thirty-five  years  old,  sound  teeth.  Letitia,  light 
complexion,  blue  eyes,  five  feet  four  inches  high,  small  sound 
teeth,  nineteen  years  old.  $100  reward  offered  for  the  capture  of 
the  above  slaves.         (Signed.)  Emery  John, 

"'Agent  for  Thomas  Raredon.' 

"Riveted  to  the  spot,  I  read  it.  My  tongue 
could  not,  or  would  not,  stop  till  the  last  word  was 
uttered.  I  saw  nothing  but  that  hideous  paper 
staring  at  me  ;  heard  nothing  but  the  sound  of  my 
voice  pronouncing  our  own  doom,  and  read  in  it  a 
return  to  that  horrid  place  and  its  servitude — a 
slaver}^  the  most  to  be  feared  both  of  soul  and 
body.  This,  then,  was  the  reward  of  our  toil ;  all 
hope  once  more  died  out  and  left  only  despair. 

"  Two  heavy  hands  came  down,  one  upon  my 
shoulder  and  one  upon  Joe's.  A  bushy  head  be- 
tween us,  with  a  coarse  laugh  and  ejaculation, 
broke  the  spell.      'Them's  you  uns,  all  two  on  ye 


70  BOND    AND    FREE. 

dis  time,  I  reckon.  Joe's  black  enough,  an'  'Titia's 
white  enough  to  fill  dat  bill.  Hand  a  stick,  boys  ; 
let's  measure  'em.'  A  rule  was  brought  and  we 
were  duh'  measured.  'Just  to  the  notch,'  satis- 
factorih'  shouted  our  captor.  '  Open  3'our  jaw. 
The  chawers  all  there,  too.  Trot  'em  'long,  boys, 
to  the  calaboose  ;  I'll  get  the  hunner  dollar,  an' 
liquor  up  all  'round.' 

"  By  this  time  a  motley  crowd  of  men  and  boj'S 
had  assembled  and  we  were  escorted  to  the  court 
house. 

"Here,  Mr.  Emery  John,  acting  under  instruc- 
tions received  from  Thomas  Raredon,  in  a  letter 
which  was  read  with  much  difficulty,  again  made 
examination  to  prove  our  identity.  That  being 
satisfactor}',  we  were  confined  in  a  loathsome  jail, 
with  several  other  miserable  wretches. 

"  Miss  Lintner,  God  forbid  you  should  ever  know 
what  it  is  to  endure  toil,  mental  and  physical,  look- 
ing forward  to  a  great  reward  ;  then,  just  as  the 
work  is  done,  find  your  prize  an  expanded  bubble. 
Even  Joe  had  not  a  word  of  encouragement  for  a 
favorable  end,  but  sat  in  mute  despair,  how  long,  I 
can  not  tell. 

"  We  were  aroused  by  the  entrance  of  several 
persons,  Mr.  Emer}-  John  and  executive  officers  of 
the  law.  Their  business  was  to  carr}'  into  effect 
the  order  of  Thomas  Raredon,  which  was,  to  give 
each  of  us  seventy-five  lashes  on  the  bare  back, 
return  Uncle  Joe  in  irons  to  his  master,  and  I  was 
to  be  sold  to  the  highest  bidder  to  defray  expenses. 

"Uncle  Joe,  poor  fellow,  was  first  taken  out, 


LETITIA  S    STORY.  7  I 

and,  after  the  whipping  had  been  inflicted,  brought 
back  to  the  jail  in  irons.  I  was  then  made  to  go 
out  to  a  post  in  the  jail  3^ard,  and  expose  my  back. 
In  so  doing,  the  belt  was  discovered  and  taken 
possession  of  by  the  Sheriff'.  The}'  were  so  much 
astonished  and  occupied  in  examining  its  contents, 
that  I  was  almost  forgotten  in  the  dissension  aris- 
ing from  the  division  of  the  spoil.  A  number  of 
stinging  lashes  were  given,  and  I  was  remanded 
to  jail." 

Letitia  at  this  point  unfastened  her  dress  and  re- 
vealed to  her  listener,  long,  uglv  scars,  where  the 
whip  had  cut  the  skin. 

"  I  will  hasten  over  the  sale,"  she  continued, 
*'-  for  the  thought  of  being  exposed  on  a  block,  sub- 
jected to  the  crafty  witticisms  of  a  public  auc- 
tioneer, and  a  crowd  of  bystanders,  is  too  revolting 
to  dwell  upon.  My  purchaser  was  a  negro  trader, 
who  had  collected  a  gang  of  slaves  b}'  buving 
small  lots  from  planters  on  the  way,  as  he  had 
crossed  the  peninsula  from  New  Orleans  to  Savan- 
nah. He  and  his  assistant  rode  on  horseback,  and 
the  negroes  were  chained  together  in  pairs,  travel- 
ing on  foot.  After  I  was  added  to  the  number,  m}- 
companion  was  a  poor  creature  who  told  me  that 
she  had  been  sold  without  having  had  an  oppor- 
tunity to  say  '  Good  bye  '  to  her  husband  :  that  her 
old  mistress  was  dead,  and  she,  being  the  onlv  ser- 
vant, had  necessarily  been  disposed  of  to  settle  the 
estate.  'Young  master  was  mightv  good  to  me,' 
she  said,  '  but  he  didn't  have  the  mone}'  to  buy  me 
in,  so  I  had  to  go.'     She  did  not  know  her  own 


72  BOND    AND    FREE. 

age,  but  was  certainly  younger  than  I.  From 
Jacksonville  we  walked  to  the  mouth  of  the  St. 
John's,  several  more  slaves  having  been  added  to 
the  number.  The  trader  sold  his  horses,  and  took 
passage  for  all,  on  board  a  steam  boat  for  Sa- 
vannah. 

"There  the  first  sales  were  made,  and  there  I 
was  bought  wath  several  others  of  the  gang,  by  an 
agent  of  Mr.  Ninus. 

"You  may  say  that  I  ought  not  to  complain  at 
mv  lot.  True,  it  is  far  better  than  to  have  re-* 
mained  in  Florida.  Mr.  Ninus  (for  I  will  never 
call  him  master,  except  when  compelled),  is  kind 
to  his  servants  ;  he  is  not  to  blame  tor  regarding 
me  as  the  law^  does,  a  slave,  bought  with  his  money, 
bound  to  the  same  service  as  the  most  ignorant. 
He  provides  plain,  wholesome  food  without  stint, 
and  coarse  clothing.  Had  I  been  born  and  raised 
as  a  servant,  my  present  condition  would  not  be  so 
hard  to  bear  ;  but  to  be  educated,  and  fill  the  posi- 
tion of  a  lady,  and  then  to  be  dropped  into  servi- 
tude and  expected  not  to  chafe  under  it,  is  more 
than  human  nature  can  endure.  Do  you  not  think, 
Miss  Lintner,  that  I  am  justified  in  saying  my  bur- 
den is  greater  than  I  can  bear?" 

"  Sureh\  Letitia,  you  have  been  through  severe 
trials,  but  you  are  young,  it  is  not  too  late  to  hope 
on.  Your  sister  or  brothers  mav  find  vou  out,  and 
the  discipline  you  have  endured,  may  be,  for  some 
wise  end,  yet  to  be  revealed.  God  does  not  wil- 
lingly afflict  his  children." 


CHAPTER  IX. 


A  N    ADVERSARY. 


February  enveloped  the  peach  orchard  in  rose- 
colored  beauty,  filled  the  jasmine  with  bloom,  and 
crowned  the  wilderness  with  charms. 

The  branch  was  not  a  running,  murmuring 
brook,  but  a  shallow,  sluggish  stream,  from  whose 
muddy  bed  rose  the  magnolia,  ba}^  and  a  multi- 
tude of  other  trees  and  shrubs,  brilliant  with  bloom 
and  fragrant  with  perfume. 

Climbing  over  the  trunk  of  a  tree  which  had 
fallen  across  the  water,  Miss  Lintner  and  her 
pupils  enjoyed  gathering  floral  treasures,  and 
made  the  woods  echo  with  happv  songs,  as  thev 
joined  their  voices  to  the  warbling  of  birds  busy 
in  building  their  nests  or  feeding  their  voung. 

Snakes  were  frequently  encountered  in  the  low, 
wet  land,  and  instead  of  intimidating  these  young 
girls,  led  them  in  the  same  wild  pursuit  that  inspires 
the  huntsman.  Sticks  were  the  weapons  of  attack, 
and  reptiles,  once  seen,  seldom  escaped  alive. 

With  the  opening  of  earl}^  spring,  came  the  sea- 
son for  active  operations  upon  the  plantation.  Ne- 
groes and  mules  prepared  the  soil  for  seed. 


74  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Miss  Lintner  was  passing  through  a  field  on  her 
Avay  to  school  one  morning,  and  observing  in  the 
freshly  ploughed  ground  at  regular  intervals,  small 
heaps  of  cotton  seed,  she  appealed  for  information 
to  a  servant  at  work  near. 

"  Is  that  the  way  you  plant  cotton  seed?  " 

Fanny  stopped  the  mule  she  was  driving  with 
one  line,  loosed  her  hold  of  the  plough,  and  dis- 
playing two  rows  of  ivories,  as  if  quite  amused  at 
the  question,  replied  : 

"  No,  Miss  ;  dat  ar's  corn  plantin'." 

"But  is  not  that  cotton  seed?"  persisted  Miss 
Lintner,  seeing  the  article  on  the  ground. 

Fannv,  taking  a  handful  answered,  "  Dis  ere's 
cotton  seed,  sure  'nough,  but  dat  ar's  corn,"  point- 
ing to  the  ground  where  la}^  two  kernels  that  had 
been  exposed  to  view  by  a  removal  of  the  former. 

"  Massa  he  tells  Jim  fur  ter  put  all  two  corns, 
one  dar  and  one  dar,  fur  ter  grow.  Den  Patsy, 
she  comes  on  wid  a  sack  o'  cotton  seed,  an'  puts 
so  much  as  dis  yere  on  eberv  hill,  so,"  replacing 
the  seed. 

"Then  do  you  cover  it  with  soil?"  continued 
Miss  Lintner. 

"No,  Miss,  we  neber  cuber  it  wid  sorrel,  nor 
nuffin.  Wen  de  corn  grows  we  ploughs  long  side, 
an'  de  dirt  cubers  de  cotton  seed,  we  don't  neber 
cuber  de  corn,  it  grows.  If  all  two  de  corns  come 
up,  we  pulls  up  de  little  un'  an'  let's  de  big  un' 
grow." 

"  But  I  do  not  understand,"  insisted  the  inter- 
rogator, "  wh}'  the  cotton  seed  does  not  grow." 


AN    ADVERSARY.  75 

''  Massa,  he  allers  puts  de  woudou  charm  on  de 
cotton  seed  w'at  goes  in  de  corn  fiel',  so  it  neber 
do  grow,  miss.'' 

At  this  moment,  Letitia  approached  on  her  way 
to  the  gin  house,  and  Miss  Lintner  appHed  to  her 
for  information. 

"  Come  with  me."  said  Letitia,  "  and  you  will 
understand  how  the  cotton  seed  is  conjured  or 
charmed,  as  expressed  by  Fanny.  You  will  be 
surprised  to  learn  that  the  idolatry  of  Africa  still 
clings  to  the  race  in  this  country,  surrounded  by 
the  light  of  civilization  and  religion.  As  many  or 
perhaps  the  majority  of  them  live  in  a  sphere  far 
remote  from  opportunities  of  improvement,  it  is 
not  so  astonishing  that  they  adhere  to  the  preju- 
dices and  superstitions  of  their  ancestors." 

"  Superstition  is  not  confined  to  the  negro  race," 
remarked  Miss  Lintner.  "  In  the  North,  among 
ignorant  people,  and  even  among  those  who  claim 
considerable  intelligence,  there  is  a  tendency  to 
look  upon  many  of  the  trifling  occurrences  of  life 
as  ominous  of  good  or  evil." 

"  I  am  surprised  that  it  is  so,"  said  Letitia,  ''  but 
I  can  hardly  suppose  it  to  obtain  so  much  ascend- 
ency as  here.  The  blacks  on  this  place  believe  in 
the  voudou  conjuration  to  which  Fannv  referred. 
Here  we  are  at  the  gin  house.  You  observe  this  bin 
w^iere  the  seed  is  thrown  in  large  quantities  ;  it 
undergoes  a  spontaneous  heating,  which  destroys 
vitality,  and  prevents  it  from  germinating." 

Taking  a  stout  bit  of  light-wood,  Letitia  made 


7^  BOND    AND    FREE. 

an  excavation  in  the  seed,  and  so  great  was  the 
heat  that  steam  rose  from  it. 

"Put  3^om-  hand  down  in  this  hole,  and  you  will 
see  how  warm  it  is.  I  will  dig  still  deeper  ;  at  this 
depth  the  seeds  are  decomposed." 

''  I  see,"  said  Miss  Lintner  ;  "and  in  this  state 
it  is  used  as  a  fertilizer  for  corn." 

"  And  yet,"  continued  Letitia,  "  I  have  tried  in 
vain  to  make  Fanny  understand  it,  as  well  as 
others  ;  they  can  not,  or  will  not,  but  fully  believe 
it  is  conjured. 

"You  have  not  seen  old  Aunt  Dorah.  She  is 
too  old  to  work,  and  remains  in  her  cabin  at  '  the 
quarters.'  She  takes  charge  of  the  little  negroes 
whose  mothers  are  at  work  in  the  fields,  and  so 
hlls  the  minds  of  her  young  charge  with  tales  of 
spooks,  conjuration  and  witchcraft  that  they  regard 
her  with  the  greatest  fear  and  veneration." 

"  Perhaps,"  suggested  Miss  Lintner,  "  she  has 
an  object  in  so  doing  ;  namely,  to  bring  the  child- 
ren under  her  restraint  by  fear." 

"  If  that  is  the  case,"  replied  Letitia,  "  her  ob- 
ject is  successful ;  for  she  holds  rule,  not  only  over 
the  3'oung,  but  every  negro  on  this  plantation  looks 
up  to  her  with  the  same  mingling  of  fear  and  re- 
spect. There  seems  to  be  no  doubt  but  that  she 
was  born  in  Africa,  stolen,  and  brought  to  this 
countr}'  while  3'oung,  for  she  tells  a  straightfor- 
ward story  of  her  capture,  vovage,  and  man^^  inci- 
dents which  she  is  too  ignorant  to  fabricate ; 
neither  did  she  leave  behind  the  heathenism  of  her 
native  soil." 


AN    ADVERSARY. 


f 


''  I  must  make  her  acquaintance,"  said  Miss 
Lintner,  "  jput  it  is  time  for  school  now." 

Silence  reigned  in  the  school-room.  The  child- 
ren, from  books,  sought  to  know  of  the  world  and 
its  history,  as  if  it  were  far  awa}-  from  their  lonely 
hall  of  learning.  The  teacher  listened  to  the 
moaning  of  the  turtle  dove  as  she  wailed  her  plain- 
tive song  ;  to  the  soughing  of  the  wind  through 
the  pines,  and  now  low,  rumbling  thunder  is  borne 
along  the  air  and  a  flash  of  lightning  follows  a 
louder  peal.  Another  sound  breaks  upon  the  still- 
ness —  a  sharp,  cracking  noise  ;  distant,  but  not  to 
be  mistaken  by  those  who  have  once  heard  it.  The 
forest  in  the  distance  is  dimmed  by  blue  smoke. 

The  elder  students  raise  their  heads,  listen,  look 
toward  their  teacher,  then  at  each  other,  and 
through  the  door-way.  In  a  moment  the  order  of 
school  is  forgotten;  the  alarm  is  given,  "The 
woods  are  on  fire."  All  is  confusion,  and  a  gen- 
eral rush  is  made  to  survey  the  prospect.  Along 
the  north,  in  the  distance,  a  dense  smoke  is  rising, 
obscuring  the  woods  beyond  the  branch.  On  the 
south,  so  far  as  the  eye  can  reach,  is  one  line  of 
fire,  advancing  rapidly  toward  the  school-house. 
The  dry  wire  grass  and  resinous  pine  straw  furnish 
fuel,  greedily  seized  by  the  flames  in  their  onward 
progress.  Reaching  living  trees  they  leap  up  the 
trunks,  sear  the  bark  and  die  out.  But  many  an 
old  tree,  standing  with  outspread,  leafless  branches, 
tells  that  vitality  has  fled  ;  on  the  ground  beneath 
lies  an  accumulation  of  bark  and  limbs  ;  reaching 
these,  the  flames  redouble  their  strength,  rush  up- 


7^ 


BOND    AND    FREE. 


ward  with  long  tongues,  snapping,  cracking,  and 
burning  as  if  impelled  by  demons.  Onward  comes 
the  fire.  Can  a  young  girl  with  helpless  children 
resist  such  an  enemy? 

Oak  underbrush,  pine  boughs,  a  few  shingles 
and  bits  of  board  were  collected,  and  with  them 
the  little  band  of  children  were  armed  to  fight  for 
their  lives. 

It  was  not  the  first  battle  with  fire  Elizabeth  had 
encountered,  and  she  now  proved  an  able  leader, 
possessing  the  administrative  abilities  of  her  father. 

"  Come  on,  we  must  clear  a  fireguard,"  said  she, 
and  seizing  a  pine  bough,  went  to  work  to  clear  a 
space  several  feet  in  width  surrounding  the  school- 
house,  in  which  she  was  aided  by  all,  from  teacher 
to  the  3^oungest  child.  In  a  short  time  every 
combustible  was  removed,  pine-straw,  decayed 
branches,  and  tufts  of  wire-grass  even,  were  pulled 
up  and  thrown  be3^ond  the  path.  As  the  fire 
reached  the  edge  on  the  south  side,  it  was  extin- 
guished, and  danger  in  that  direction  was  at  an 
end. 

Then  along  either  side  the  flames  coursed  their 
way,  requiring  a  division  of  forces.  The  youngest 
children  were  soon  tired  out,  or  sent  from  the  ranks 
as  being  more  hinderance  than  help.  The  teacher 
went  from  one  side  to  the  other,  with  cheerful, 
hopeful  words  of  encouragement ;  watching  where 
a  spark  of  fire  would  snap  across  the  guard  toward 
the  school  house,  or  upon  the  clothes  of  the  chil- 
dren ;  exercising  constant  vigilance  in  subduing 
each  kindling  blaze  ;  silently  hoping  and  praying 


AN    ADVERSARY.  79 

that  some  one  would  suspect  their  danger,  and 
come  to  the  rescue.  An  old  dead  pine  was  stand- 
ing near.  Its  great  height  and  inclination  caused 
apprehension  lest  it  should  ignite  and  fall  amongst 
them,  and  faithfully  they  worked  to  protect  its  base 
from  threatened  danger.  Vain  the  labor.  A  burn- 
ing tree,  tifty  feet  distant,  toppled,  and  fell  with 
a  crash ;  brands  were  scattered  far  and  near, 
some  reaching  the  tire  guard,  and  in  an  instant 
the  dead  tree  was  all  ablaze.  Several  of  the 
children  barely  escaped  from  the  shower  of  fire» 
A  panic  followed,  which  the  teacher  was  powerless 
to  restrain  ;  for,  added  to  the  impending  danger 
of  the  burning  school  house,  the  threatening  storm 
sent  forth  constantly  flashing  lightning  and  heavy 
rolling  thunder.  Trees  were  falling  in  various 
directions,  under  the  force  of  the  increasing  wind. 
To  attempt  an  escape  over  the  ground  where  the 
Are  had  died  out,  would  be  hazardous.  Yet,  Miss 
Lintner,  to  prepare  them  for  the  worst,  informed 
the  pupils  that  if  it  did  not  rain  soon,  they  would 
be  compelled  to  seek  safety  by  flight  through  the 
woods,  for  the  school  house  had  taken  Are.  Even 
the  older  children  could  no  longer  maintain  their 
self-composure,  but  joined  the  little  ones  in  cling- 
ing together,  screaming  and  crying  from  fright. 

In  a  few  moments,  down  came  a  few  great  drops. 
These  were  followed  by  a  dashing  rain  which  fell 
in  torrents,  and  never  was  it  received  with  greater 
rejoicing  ;  the  school  house  was  saved.  For  a  full 
half  hour  the  storm  raged  with  unabated  fury. 
Tree  after  tree  fell,  till  the  blackened  ground  was 


8o  BOND    AND    FREE. 

literally  covered  with  charred  and  smoking  trunks 
and  limbs,  and  dread  of  the  tempest  succeeded  the 
terror  of  fire. 

"Do  not  fear,  dear  children,"  said  the  teacher. 
*'The  same  God,  who  sent  the  rain  to  extinguish 
the  fire,  will  protect  us  in  the  storm." 

"I  reckon  Aunt  Dorah  sent  the  fire,"  timidly 
suggested  little  Victoria. 

"  Do  you  think,  dear,  that  Aunt  Dorah  is  strong 
enough  to  make  the  fire  burn  the  woods?  She  is  a 
woman,"  said  the  teacher. 

"  She  can  conjure  the  fire  and  make  it  burn," 
persisted  the  child,  with  earnestness.  "  Mammy 
Fanny  says  so  ;  and,  if  the  good  Angel  came  to 
put  it  out  with  the  rain.  Aunt  Dorah  fought  with 
the  lightning." 

Miss  Lintner  did  not  think  it  wise  to  show  the 
falsity  of  the  child's  ingenious  sophistry,  but  said, 
"  Look  out  now  and  see  how  beautifulty  the  sun  is 
shining  !  The  same  Heavenh'  Father  who  sent  the 
rain  to  extinguish  the  fire,  took  care  of  us  through 
the  storm." 

"Aunt  Dorah  is  a  witch,"  said  another,  "and 
there  are  other  witches  beside  her  ;  my  mammy 
says  so.  I  found  a  bag  the  other  day,  going  home 
from  school,  and  mammy  made  me  give  it  to  her, 
for  she  said,  if  I  kept  it,  it  would  conjure  me." 

"  Probabh',"  rejoined  Miss  Lintner,  "  3'our  nurse 
w^anted  the  bag  herself." 

"  She  said  she  did,"  said  the  child,  "  and  there 
were  some  pins  and  needles  in  it,  and  mammy  told 
me,  if  I  used  them,  they  would  conjure  me ;  but 


AN    ADVERSARY.  8 1 

she  has  a  charm  which  she  would  put  in  the  bag, 
so  they  would  not  conjure  her." 

'*  Did  you  ever  see  it?  "  inquired  one  of  the  little 
listeners. 

"  O,  yes  !  It  is  a  big  black  snake  skin.  Mammy 
says  Aunt  Dorah  charmed  it  for  a  bright  red  hand- 
kerchief she  gave  her." 

"That  is  only  a  story,  dear  children,"  said  the 
teacher  ;  "  when  you  are  older,  you  will  not  believe 
such  foolish  notions." 

"  But  we  believe  them  now.  Are  there  any 
ghosts  where  you  live?  " 

"  No,  dear  ;  no  ghosts  in  my  home,  only  angels 
whom  God  sends  to  take  care  of  us.  Neither  are 
there  an}^  ghosts  here.  You  must  not  believe  the 
silly  ideas  of  servants." 

"Papa  said  that  too;  but  Mamma  says  there 
used  to  be  fairies,  and  now  fairies  are  turned  into 
ghosts." 

The  children  continued  the  discussion,  revealing 
the  fact  that  they  had  imbibed  a  greater  or  less 
degree  of  faith  in  the  superstition  of  their  nurses. 

It  was  later  than  usual  when  the  teacher  dis- 
missed her  little  flock,  hoping  by  the  delay  to 
diminish  the  danger  encountered  in  returning  to 
their  homes. 


CHAPTER  X. 


MUSIC. 


The  question  of  purchasing  a  piano  had  been 
agitated,  and  an  order  sent  to  Savannah  for  the  best 
instrument  that  could  be  found  in  that  place,  re- 
gardless of  price. 

For  its  reception  the  library  was  prepared  by  a 
thorough  cleaning.  The  extensive  collection  of 
books,  the  writing  desk,  table  and  chairs  had  been 
deposited  upon  the  gallery.  Fanny  drew  out  a 
long  pine  box  from  a  corner,  and  being  attracted 
by  a  rattling  sound  from  within,  wondered, 

"What  sort  o'  truck  Maus  George  got  in  'ere. 
Catch  'old  tudder  end,  Cora,  haul  'im  out ;  O ! 
Lord  !  it  shakes  like  rocks  !  " 

Cora  rendered  the  aid  required,  and  continued 
her  work  at  scrubbing ;  but  Fann}^  determined  to 
examine  the  mysterious  box.  Finding  the  lid  not 
well  secured,  she  succeeded  in  introducing  her 
hard,  bon}"  fingers,  and  endeavored  to  force  it 
open.  As  she  was  stooping  over,  working  it  one 
way  and  the  other,  suddenly  it  yielded  to  her  ef- 
forts ;  the  contents  were  revealed  and  curiosity 
gratified.      She   stood   paral3;zed,   with    distended 


MUSIC.  83 

•eyes  and  open  mouth,  gazing  into  the  box,  still 
holding  the  lid,  which  seemed  glued  to  her  hand. 
Cora  raised  herself  upon  her  knees  ;  resting  her- 
self upon  her  shuck  scrub-brush,  and  peering  over 
the  edge  of  the  box,  she  exclaimed  : 

"O!  Lord  I  Fan,  dat's  a  ghost  I  Shut  'im  in, 
-shut  'im  'in,  'fore  he  jumps  out.  Let's  go  and  tell 
Miss  'Liza." 

"No,  don't  you  neber  tell  Miss  'Liza,"  said 
Fanny,  replacing  the  lid  as  quickh'  as  possible  and 
holding  it  down.  "  Don't  you  neber  dare  tell  Miss 
'Liza.  It's  a  ghost,  sure  ;  he's  jus'  a  histin'  'gain 
dis  top  fur  to  git  out.  Git  a  rock,  Cora,  an'  ham- 
merit  down.  If  Maus  George  knows  we've  seed 
his  ghost,  won't  we  git  'bout  forty?  " 

Cora  disappeared  in  search  of  a  rock  as  Miss 
Lintner,  who  had  overheard  the  conversation  in  an 
adjoining  room,  entered  to  obtain  a  view  of  the 
phenomenon.  Fann}-  could  scarcely  be  prevailed 
upon  to  relax  her  hold,  supposing  that  the  occu- 
pant of  the  box  was  resisting  her  efforts  to  prevent 
its  escape.  But  promises  upon  the  part  of  Miss 
Lintner,  that  she  should  be  shielded  from  personal 
harm,  finally  induced  her  to  3'ield  her  hold  and 
make  a  precipitous  retreat  across  the  threshold, 
where,  concealing  her  person  as  much  as  possible 
behind  the  casing,  she  peeped  back  to  observe  the 
result.  Miss  Lintner  raised  the  lid  sufficiently  to 
see  —  a  human  skeleton  —  and  aided  in  securing  it 
from  view  by  tightening  the  loosened  nails. 

Order  having  been  restored  to  the  librar}^  and 
space   allowed  for   the    expected    instrument,   the 


84  BOND    AND    FREE. 

timely  news  was  received  b}'  Tom  Jones'  boy  that 
the  piano  was  at  the  landing. 

There  was  commotion  in  the  house,  the  stables, 
and  the  quarters.  Four  mules  were  geared  to  the 
timber-carriage,  and  horses  saddled.  A  force  of 
the  strongest  hands  was  made  up  to  do  the  lifting. 
Mr.  Ninus  mounted  upon  Bowers,  made  an  effi- 
cient commander-in-chief  of  the  cavalcade  as  they 
started  off  toward  the  river. 

In  the  kitchen,  the  cook  and  her  aids  put  their 
best  skill  into  practice  in  preparing  a  "  big  dinner  '^ 
in  honor  of  the  gentleman  w^ho  had  taken  charge 
of  transportation,  and  was  to  see  that  the  instru- 
ment was  in  perfect  tone. 

A  distant  whoop  was  heard  from  the  little  ne- 
groes, who  had  formed  themselves  into  an  advance 
guard  to  open  the  gates  for  the  procession  as  it 
tiled  along  toward  the  house. 

It  was  heard  even  by  Aunt  Dorah,  w^ho  was 
induced  to  leave  her  premises,  followed  by  a  troop 
of  babies,  some  on  foot  and  some  carried  by  the 
larger  ones.  Aided  by  a  cane,  she  managed  to 
drag  her  aged  limbs  up  to  the  house  to  see  "  Wat 
dat  ar'  was  dey  all  make  such  a  fuss  'bout." 

The  piano  was  properly  adjusted  and  drew  forth 
exclamations  of  astonishment  and  delight. 

"  Look  inter  it,"  whispered  Fanny  to  her  sister, 
venturing  to  draw  near  enough  to  look  inside, 
''  its  a  banjo,  I  sees  de  strings.  Aint  it  a  powerful 
big  un?  " 

"  Hush,    vou   dummie,  taint   neither,   don't  vou 


MUSIC.  85 

know  niiffin?    Fs  seed  a  fiddle,  an'  dat's  what  'tis," 
said  the  sister  with  a  knowing  look. 

No  one  questioned  whether  the  highly  polished 
rosewood  case,  and  inlaid  mother-of-pearl  harmon- 
ized with  the  humble  surroundings  ;  or  whether  a 
crimson  plush  stool  corresponded  with  chairs  seated 
with  untanned  hide.  Music  from  the  finely  toned 
instrument  was  as  duly  appreciated  as  if  it  had 
emanated  from  a  luxurious  drawing-room.  It  is 
the  diamond  that  sparkles,  not  the  object  it  dec- 
orates. 

Miss  Lintner  chose  the  earl}-  hours,  when  mem- 
bers of  the  famih'  were  still  sleeping,  for  her  prac- 
tice. While  making  preparations  for  so  doing  the 
next  morning,  Letitia  said  : 

"  Would  you  mind  if  I  go  in  and  try  the  piano  a 
few  minutes,  while  vou  are  dressing?" 

"  I  suppose  you  ma}^  but  be  careful  and  not  play 
loud,  it  may  awaken  the  famih\" 

Miss  Lintner  was  surprised  to  hear  the  scales 
performed  with  an  execution  known  only  to  expert 
musicians  ;  then  followed  an  operatic  piece  upon 
Avhich  she  had  herself  expended  much  time  and 
had  not  yet  been  able  to  execute  it  without  the 
music  before  her ;  3'et  the  fingers  of  this  slave 
glided  through  even  the  most  intricate  passages 
with  a  delicac}^  of  touch  rarel}'  found.  Then  strik- 
ing the  notes  of  a  minor  key,  with  her  bare  foot 
pressed  upon  the  soft  pedal,  one  of  David's  peni- 
tential psalms  was  rendered  in  Beethoven's  compo- 
sitfon.  A  suppressed  voice  full  of  pathos,  poured 
out  a  complaint  as  from  the  heart. 


86  BOND    AND    FREE. 

"  He  trusted  in  God,  that  He  would  deliver  him 
if  he  will  have  Him."  The  last  clause  died  away, 
and  Miss  Lintner  stood  behind  the  performer. 

''And  God  did  deliver  him,  Letitia.  Continue 
to  trust,  as  David  did,  and  Uncle  Joe's  faith  will 
3^et  be  veritied,  that  all  w^ill  come  out  right  in  the 
end.     You  have  been  well  taught  in  music." 

''  This  carries  me  back  to  m}-  old  home  ;  father, 
mother,  all,  so  different  from  this  life.  If  I  can 
sometimes  live  in  the  past,  and  unburthen  my 
heart  here,  it  will  enable  me  to  bear  my  lot  better  ^ 
but  I  must  call  the  servants." 

In  the  vision  of  the  past,  she  went  out  to  the 
present  "to  do  her  duty  in  that  state  of  life  unta 
which  it  had  pleased  God  to  call  her." 

At  the  breakfast  table,  music  and  the  piano  were 
the  absorbing  topics. 

"I  wish,"  said  Mrs.  Ninus,  "you  would  favor 
us  with  the  first  pieces  you  performed  this  morn- 
ing. Miss  Lintner.  I  was  awakened  by  the  softest, 
sweetest  strains,  and  dreamed  I  was  surrounded  by 
angels  or  fairies  ;  then  \'our  voice,  so  sweet  and 
musical.  I  thought  you  told  us  you  were  not  a 
singer.  If  any  of  our  daughters  learn  to  sing  as 
well,  we  will  be  happ}-." 

"  I  have  but  little  strength  of  voice,"  said  Miss- 
Lintner,  evasivelv,  "  and  seldom  sing  in  the  pres- 
ence of  others." 

A  glance  at  Letitia,  standing  behind  her  mis- 
tress' chair,  betrayed  a  twinkle  in  the  eye,  and  a 
happier  expression  than  she  was  accustomed  to 
wear. 


MUSIC.  87 

"Miss  'Titia,  if  I  'spress  my  lub,  will  you  tell 
anybody?" 

The  speaker  was  one  of  Aunt  Dorah's  grand- 
sons ;  his  broad,  flat  nose  scarce  defined  an  outline 
upon  a  face  of  ebony ;  his  expansive  mouth  and 
woolly  hair  told  of  blood  unmixed,  from  the  Guinea 
coast. 

"  Hush,  William,  your  master  sent  me  to  tell  you 
to  water  Bowers,  saddle,  and  bring  him  up  to  the 
house." 

"  I  knowed  you  wouldn't  a  comed  out  if  you 
didn't  had  to,  I  does,  and  I  tells  you  dis.  Miss 
'Titia,  I's  a  gwine  to  hab  you  for  a  wife,  dat's  sar- 
tin.  Dar  she  goes  up  to  de  big  house,  'out  speakin.' 
She's  a  mighty  'stakin'  if  she  'spects  she's  gwine 
to  slip  dis  nigger  dat  way.  If  Massa  don't  bring 
'er  squar',  old  Mammy  will,  I  low." 

He  proceeded  to  obe\^  ord'ers,  and  bringing  the 
horse  to  the  block,  stood  with  uncovered  head,  and 
bowed  low,  as  his  master  advanced  to  take  the 
bridle. 

"What  is  it,  Wilham?" 

Repeating  his  bow  with  the  humility  of  a  suppli- 
ant, he  made  known  his  request. 

"  I  jes  'lowed  to  ax  you  if  I  can  have  'Titia' for  a 
w^ife,  sir?  " 

"  Have  Letitia.  I  am  surprised,  William.  What 
wdll  you  do  with  Fanny?  You  would  not  discard 
her,  would  you?" 

"No,  sir;  but  sir,  I  'low'd  six  3''ears  was  long 
enough  to   lib  wid  any  one  nigger,  sir  ;  so  Jefler- 


88  BOND    AND    FREE. 

son,  he's  done  "greed  to  take  Fanny  \v*en  I  gits 
'Titia,  sir/' 

"I  see,  I  see,*'  said  his  master,  ''but  you  must 
get  Letitia's  consent,  for  I  will  not  compel  her  to 
many  against  her  will :  and  remember  this,  Wil- 
liam, neither  will  I  allow  an}^  of  mv  hands  to 
marry  off  the  place.  If  you  discard  Fanny,  vou 
must  choose  one  of  your  fellow-servants." 

"  Yes,  sir.     Jes  so,  sir." 

The  incident  having  been  related  by  Mr.  Ninus 
during  the  evening,  he  remarked  to  Miss  Lintner : 

*'You  will  observe  in  this,  an  embarrassment 
arising  in  slaver}^  as  it  exists  among  us.  There  is 
no  doubt  but  that  God  intended  the  negro  as  a  ser- 
vile race.  Under  the  Mosaic  dispensation  slavery 
existed  with  certain  limitations,  and  it  is  in  the 
power  of  our  legislators  to  make  such  laws  as 
should  ameliorate  our  institution  ;  there  would  be 
less  trouble  to  masters,  and  a  greater  degree  of 
comfort  and  security  to  the  servants." 

"  In  what  way?  "  inquired  Miss  Lintner. 

*' As  our  laws  exist,  marriage  ties  are  not  recog- 
nized, since  husbands  and  wives  are  constautl}'  be- 
ing separated  by  sales,  division  of  estates,  and 
removals.  B}-  patterning  after  the  laws  of  entail 
in  England,  families  can  be  kept  together.  Sales 
of  children  under  age  should  also  be  prohibited. 
Within  a  few  years  no  doubt  such  laws  will  be  en- 
acted." 

"Suppose  they  are  liberated,"  said  Miss  Lint- 
ner, "  as  has  been  done  in  the  North,  would  they 
not  be  equally  useful  as  servants?  " 


MUSIC.  89 

''  I  think  not,"  said  Mr.  Ninus.  ''  There  are  se- 
rious objections  to  their  emancipation,  unless  it 
can  be  done  graduall}'  and  conditionalh'.  The}' 
are  not,  as  a  people,  sufficiently  advanced  in  civil- 
ization. They  are  improvident ;  they  know  noth- 
ing of  the  value  of  money,  or  how  to  use  it  as  a 
medium  of  commerce.  I  refer  particularly  to  those 
employed  in  plantation  work,  and  the  same  may 
be  true  of  the  majority  owned  in  cities  and  towns, 
although  there  are,  doubtless,  some  more  intelli- 
gent and  capable  of  self-support. 

"They  are  also  ver}'  reckless  of  their  health," 
added  Mrs.  Ninus.  "  Do  3'ou  not  remember  how 
we  had  to  quarantine  ever}-  one  who  was  sick,  at 
the  time  when  '  the  fevers '  were  so  bad  down 
around  the  Pond,  and  lock  everv  cabin  to  keep  the 
servants  from  exposing  themselves  to  the  night 
fogs?  " 

"Yes,  I  remember  it,"  said  Mr.  Ninus:  "and 
when  the  yellow  fever  or  an}-  other  epidemic  pre- 
vails, we  have  to  watch  them  like  children." 

"  it  is  a  misfortune  that  they  are  kept  in  ignor- 
ance of  reading  and  writing,"  remarked  Miss 
Lintner. 

"  I  would  be  glad  if  every  one  of  mv  hands  were 
willing  to  learn  to  read,"  said  Mr.  Ninus.  "  Now 
and  then  one  of  the  more  intelligent  employed 
about  the  house  has  expressed  a  desire  of  so  do- 
ing, and  instruction  has  never  been  refused  ;  but 
of  those  who  undertake  to  learn,  few  have  perse- 
verance enough  to  continue  till  able  to  read  under- 


pO  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Standingly.     It  is  not  safe  to  teach  them  to  write, 
as  they  can  then  forge  passes." 

''  Letitia  can  read,"  said  Mrs.  Ninus,  "  and  per- 
haps write,  but  we  are  cautious  about  keeping  all 
writing  materials  under  a  lock,  and  she  has  no  op- 
portunity of  procuring  them.  She  is  a  good  girl, 
and  seems  trust}^  but  I  think  3^ou  should  be  care- 
ful. Miss  Lintner,  that  she  has  no  opportunity  of 
having  access  to  your  trunk,  or  of  obtaining  3^our 
paper  and  pen." 

"  I  do  not  like  to  own  so  white  a  girl,"  said  Mr. 
Ninus.  "  My  factor  sent  her  up  with  a  lot  of 
others,  and  as  she  is  here,  I  give  her  as  good  a 
home  in  the  house  as  she  can  desire,  and  would  be 
sorry  to  put  her  in  the  field.  I  will  be  glad  if 
she  marries  William,  she  seems  always  so  low- 
spirited,  and  the  full-blooded  blacks  have  such  a 
jealousy  toward  the. light  ones;  she  will  be  better 
off  in  identifying  herself  with  old  Aunt  Dorah's 
family." 

Upon  retiring  to  her  room,  Miss  Lintner  found 
Letitia  sitting  upon  the  floor  weeping.  After  re- 
lating the  proposition  that  had  been  made  by 
William,  Letitia  added  : 

"  I  was  thinking.  Miss  Lintner,  of  the  terrible 
fate  I  escaped  in  Florida.  I  believed  then  that 
God's  hand  led  us  through  the  trials  of  that  fearful 
wilderness,  with  Uncle  Joe's  faith  that  all  would 
be  right  in  the  end.  I  have  tried  to  bear  up  under 
it  here,  but  have  repined  under  God's  dispensation, 
and  now  must  suffer  the  fulfillment  of  the  fate  before 
threatened." 


MUSIC.  91 

"Stop,  Letitia  ;  God  is  not  the  author  of  evil. 
The  same  guiding  hand  that  led  you  out  once,  can 
and  will  do  so  again.  '  If  ye  have  faith  and  doubt 
not,'  ye  shall  say  unto  the  mountain,  '  Be  thou  re- 
moved and  be  thou  cast  into  the  sea  it  shall  be 
done.'  And,  '  all  things,  whatsoever  ye  ask  in 
prayer,  believing,  ye  shall  receive.'  " 

"  O  !  Miss  Lintner,  pray  for  me  :  pray  that  I 
may  have  this  faith,  and  pray  with  3'our  faith  that 
this  evil  may  be  averted  from  me." 

Then  clasping  her  hands,  she  earnestly  repeated, 
"  01  God,  the  Father  of  Heaven,  have  mercy 
upon  me,  a  miserable  sinner." 

Miss  Lintner  dropped  on  her  knees,  and  there 
rose  in  the  silence  of  night,  to  the  Throne  of 
Heaven,  a  simple  earnest  petition  for  the  slave 
girl  beside  her. 


CHAPTER  XL 

THE    OLD    SUINIMER    HOUSE. 

On  the  morning  of  an  appointed  day,  the  three 
elder  daughters  and  their  teacher,  with  Letitia  car- 
rying the  luncheon,  set  out  for  "the  old  summer 
house  "  to  gather  mulberries. 

A  walk  of  two  miles  led  through  a  primeval  for- 
est. Thousands  of  mocking  birds  filled  the  air 
with  music,  and  many  a  birdling  started  in  its  nest 
upon  seeing  brown  eyes  and  blue,  peering  into  its 
leafy  hiding  place.  The  wild  jasmine,  the  passion 
flower,  the  sensitive  plant,  lovely  violets  and  many 
other  blossoms  were  torn  from  their  wild-wood 
home  to  decorate  the  brows  of  children  and  teacher, 
while  the  forest  echoed  their  merry  shouts  and 
songs. 

Arriving  at  their  destination,  the  children  climbed 
upon  the  walls  of  the  ruins  to  gather  mulberries 
from  the  overhanging  branches,  and  Miss  Lintner 
seated  herself  upon  a  log  to  make  a  drawing  of 
the  scene. 

The  roof  had  fallen  in  and  gone  to  decay  ;  wild 
vines  climbed  in  and  out,  or  fell  in  luxuriance  over 
what  remained  of  the  logs  :  gay  butterflies  flitted 


THE  OLD  SUMMER  HOUSE.  93 

about,  timid  lizards  darted  here  and  there,  squir- 
rels peeped  out  from  their  hiding  places  upon  hear- 
ing such  an  unusual  commotion,  questioning,  per- 
haps, the  right  of  ownership  to  fruit  seldom  claimed 
by  any  but  themselves  and  the  birds.  A  young 
pine,  rising  from  within  the  walls  of  the  ruins, 
told  that  years  had  passed  since  they  had  been  oc- 
cupied as  a  dwelling. 

Many,  many  years  before  (so  the  stor}^  runs),  a 
French  family,  akin  to  royalty,  fleeing  from  the 
Revolutionists,  had  found  here  a  secure  home: 
Reared  in  a  marble  palace,  soft  white  hands  had 
cut  the  trees  and  erected  a  rustic  cabin.  Their 
food  was  hunted  from  the  woods,  and  their  drink 
taken  from  "  the  branch." 

For  years  they  lived  and  toiled  on,  as  only  those 
know  who,  like  them,  have  given  up  much  to  real- 
ize how  few  man's  actual  necessities  are,  and  how 
much  deprivation  can  be  endured  by  those  who 
undertake  to  exchange  comfort,  luxury  and  ease 
for  a  pioneer  life. 

Not  far  away  was  pointed  out  the  old  lot  where 
they  were  buried.  A  few  poles,  crumbling  to  dust, 
once  formed  an  enclosure.  A  sunken  spot  was  al- 
most hidden  by  a  tangled  rose-bush,  covered  with 
bloom  ;  it  proved  to  be,  not  a  wild  rose,  but  a  de- 
generated growth  of  an  old  French  variety. 

So  pleasantly  had  the  day  passed,  that  not  till 
the  lowing  of  cattle  was  heard  did  the  little  party 
prepare  to  return. 

All  through  the  woods  cattle  w^ere  coming  from 
the  east,  the  south  and  the  west.     Herds  belonging 


94  BOND    AND    FREE. 

to  different  planters  met  in  wild  confusion,  cows 
lowing  and  running  hither  and  thither,  bulls  meet- 
ing, bellowing,  tearing  up  the  earth  with  their 
horns,  as  if  preparing  for  a  conflict. 

The  three  girls,  instead  of  being  terrified,  seized 
branches  and  ran  screaming  and  shouting  toward 
home,  calling  Miss  Lintner  and  Letitia  to  follow. 
No  alternative  being  presented,  they  attempted  do- 
ing so,  but  soon  discovered  that  one  wild,  infuri- 
ated creature  was  bearing  down  upon  Miss  Lint- 
ner, impeded  only  by  a  thick  growth  of  under- 
brush, which  also  prevented  the  frightened  girl 
from  making  rapid  progress. 

Letitia  preceiving  the  danger,  seized  a  loose  red 
sacque  from  Miss  Lintner's  shoulders  and  hung  it 
upon  a  stump,  hoping  thereby  to  attract  the  ani- 
mal's attention,  and  both  made  as  speedy  a  retreat 
as  possible  in  the  direction  of  a  clearing.  Looking 
back  the\^  saw  the  bull  tossing  the  sacque  upon 
its  horns.  On  they  ran  toward  a  high  fence  which 
offered  protection.  The  sacque  was  in  a  few  mo- 
ments trampled  in  the  dust ;  then,  as  if  compre- 
hending the  intrigue  and  discovering  them  in 
flight,  the  enemy  once  more  rushed  forward  bel- 
lowing, plunging  and  tearing  up  the  earth  in  mad 
pursuit. 

Within  the  field  they  saw  Fanny  plowing  with  a 
pair  of  mules,  and  called  to  her  for  assistance. 

Stopping  her  work,  and  looking  into  the  woods, 
she  shouted  : 

"  Bill,  3-0U  William,  get  out  from  'hind  dat  tree, 
an'  drive  Sam  Grundv  oft',  or  I'll  tell  Maus  Geors^e 


THE  OLD  SUMMER  HOUSE.  95 

sure  ;  you  needn't  hide  dat  black  head  'round  dar 
no  longer.  If  I  didn't  hab  dese  yere  mules  to  tote 
up  to  the  stable,  I'd  drive  'im  off,  an'  not  say 
nuffin'." 

"  Shut  your  mouf,  Fanny,"  said  William,  rush- 
ing forward  with  a  rail.  Flourishing  it  as  if  it 
were  only  a  switch,  he  succeeded  in  heading  off 
the  animal,  permitting  the  girls  to  reach  the  fence 
in  safety.     Then,  turning  round,  he  continued: 

"  I  wan't  a  hidin',  nor  I  didn't  see  Sam  Grundy, 
nor  the  young  ladies,  nary  on  'em." 

Fanny  retorted,  "  You's  a  very  innocent  sheep, 
you  is.  I  seed  you  w'en  I's  tudder  en'  de 
fiel ;  I  seed  you  go  ober  dar  on  de  bottom,  an' 
I  hearn  you,  too,  a  hollerin',  an'  drivin'  dem  ar 
cattle  up  dis  way,  jis  when  you  knowed  dey  all 
was  comin'  'cross.  I  seed  your  devilment ;  you're 
as  bad  as  your  ole  granny-.  You  knowed  de  young- 
ladies  ud  all  start  first,  so  you  said  to  Wilham,  dat's 
you  yessef,  '  I'll  get  dese  critters  in  dar,  w'ile 
'Titia's  a  pickin'  up  an'  gittin'  ready,  so  I'll  cut  off 
'er  comin','  an'  de  school  misses  'long  too.  I  jes 
reckon  you  didn't  keer  if  Sam  Grundy  'd  hooked 
all  two  on  'em.  Laws,  the  more  I  sees  your  mean- 
ness, de  more  madder  I  gits,  an'  de  more  I  feels 
like  tellin'." 

"  Shut  your  mouf,"  was  the  conciliatory  advice 
of  her  accused  husband.  "  W'en  you  gits  dat  jaw 
o'  yourn  started,  you's  jis  as  bad  to  head  off  as 
Sam  Grundy.  You  let  on  to  any  one  up  to  de 
house  or  down  to  de  quarters,  an'  Til  mash  you  up 
like  hominy." 


96  BOND    AND    FREE. 

All  was  quiet  in  Dorah's  cabin.  The  little  ones 
under  her  daily  charge  had  been  restored  to  their 
respective  mammies,  except  a  few  motherless  un- 
fortunates, who  had  forgotten  her  iron  sway,  and 
la}'  in  undisturbed  slumber. 

Hovering  over  the  embers  still  glowing  upon  the 
clay  hearth,  crouched  the  figure  of  the  old  negress  ; 
her  warped,  bony  fingers  stirring  an  unsavory 
mass,  that  fizzed  and 'sputtered  in  a  skillet,  as  she 
repeated,  in  a  monotonous  sing-song  tone,  an  en- 
chantment in  her  native  African  tongue,  finishing 
each  stanza  with — 

"Lasses,  an'  grease,  an'  mishetum, 
Lasses,  an'  grease,  an'  misherum. 
Lasses,  an'  grease,  an'  misheium  ; 
Devil,  devil,  devil,  come,  come,  come. 
Devil,  devil,  devil,  come,  come,  come. 
Devil,  devil,  devil,  come,  come,  come." 

A  footstep  was  heard  approaching  the  door, 
then  a  knock. 

The  negress  ceased  her  incantation,  removed 
the  skillet  from  the  coals,  carefully  covered  it,  and 
brushing  the  ashes  back  into  the  fire  with  a  pine 
brush,  drawled  out, 

"  Is  dat  3'Ou,  William?" 

''Yes,  granny,  it's  me." 

Recognizing  the  voice,  she  opened  the  door,  ad- 
mitting William  ;  and  having  secured  the  fastening, 
threw  some  pieces -of  fat  light-wood  upon  the  fire, 
and  resumed  her  seat. 

William   found  a  block,  used  it   as   a   chair  and 


THE  OLD  SUMMER  HOUSE.  97 

handed  a  piece  of  tobacco  to  his  grandmother,  say- 
ing : 

"  Dat's  all  de  backy  I  could  git,  an'  I  had  a 
mighty  try  to  find  dat ;  bes'  I  can  do." 

Grasping  the  tobacco  with  a  *'  Hem,  dat's  mighty 
little,  boy,"  she  tore  oft' a  fragment,  dropped  it  into 
the  skillet  and  tucked  the  remainder  into  a  chink 
of  the  cabin.  '*  An'  whar's  de  wisky,  boy?  I  can't 
do  nuffin  'out  de  wisky,  gal  or  no  gal ;  an  it's  no 
fool  job  witchin'  a  wite  nigger.  I'll  jis  let  'er  drap 
'out  you  get  de  wisky." 

"Skuse  me,  grann}^,  I  done  forgot — here  she  is," 
drawing  out  a  small  bottle,  and  holding  it  up  in  the 
firelight. 

Taking  the  bottle  with  the  brightening  of  her 
bloodshot  e3^es,  she  exclaimed,  "Dat's  de  kind, 
hone}^  as  witches  more  nor  'lasses,  nor  grease,  nor 
;  yes,  dat's  de  kind." 

Lifting  the  lid  of  the  skillet,  she  poured  into  it  a 
few  drops  of  the  liquid,  and  raising  the  bottle  to  her 
lips  swallowed  the  contents  in  one  draught.  "  Dat's 
de  stuff*  as  witches,  honey ;  bring  wisky,  an'  you 
can  hab  all  de  gals  on  de  place." 

Hunting  around,  she  found  an  old  gourd  and 
poured  into  it  the  composition,  and  handing  it  to 
William,  proceeded  to  give  instructions  as  to  its 
use. 

''Jis  git  Hannah  to  put  some  in  her  wittals,  de 
meat  an'  bread,  a  very  little;  be  keerful,  not  too 
much,  so  it  don't  break  the  charm  ;  if  she  gits  too 
much  it  don't  do  no  good." 


98  BOND    AND    FREE. 

"  Huny  up,  you  slow  huffs,  you  Susan,  'fore  Sam 
is  plum  dead." 

It  was  x\unt  Dorah  standing  in  her  cabin  door, 
looking  after  Susan  who  was  making  slow  progress 
toward  the  house,  digging  her  bare  toes  into  the 
soil,  evidently  more  interested  in  the  height  to 
w^hich  she  could  thryow  sand  with  her  feet,  than  in 
the  execution  of  her  errand. 

"  Hurry  up  dar,  or  Til  gib  you  forty  w'en  3'ou 
gits  back." 

Knowing  from  experience  that  Aunt  Dorah's 
threats  were  frequently  carried  into  execution,  the 
child  proceeded  on  her  way  to  deliver  her  message^ 
and,  discovering  her  mistress  upon  the  gallery,  ad- 
dressed her  : 

"  Aunt  Dorah  says,  please  ma'am,  to  come  down 
to  de  quarters  wi'  de  tuffentime,  fur  de  colic's  done 
broke  out ;  Mandv's  got  de  yellow  febers,  an' 
Sam's  got  suffin,  an',  an'  dey  all's  heavin'  up,, 
dey  is." 

Calls  for  anv  other  remedy  than  quinine  were 
seldom  heard.  Chills  and  fever  were  common, 
and  lightly  regarded ;  but  other  diseases  rarely 
visited  Mulberry  Grove :  hence,  this  announce- 
ment of  sickness  alarmed  Mrs.  Ninus,  and,  as  soon 
as  Letitia  could  procure  the  bottle  of  turpentine 
and  the  sugar  bowl,  they  went  down  to  the  quarters. 

Those  who  mav  be  disposed  to  consider  the  lot  of 
this  ladv  with  envv,  havincr  servants  readv  to  do  her 
bidding,  know  nothing  of  the  responsibilitv  of  her 
position.  Ever}^  garment  was  cut  out  by  her,  and 
made  under  her  supervision.     Whenever  cases  of 


THE  OLD  SUMMER  HOUSE.  99 

sickness  occurred,  she  was  called  in,  and  exercised  ' 
her  practical  judgment,  as  a  mother  with  a  family. 
In  cases  of  mechanical  injury,  her  hands  bound  up 
the  wounds,  and  directed  the  treatment.  Upon 
her  shoulders  rested  the  care  and  responsibility  of 
preserving  the  health  of  the  rising  generation  of 
blacks,  as  well  as  that  of  her  own  husband  and 
children. 

After  reaching  the  seat  of  complaint,  and  mak- 
ing a  diagnosis,  Mrs.  Ninus  decided  that  the  chil- 
dren suffering,  had  eaten  something  unwholesome  ; 
but  the  closest  examination  and  cross-examination, 
threw  no  light  upon  the  case,  until  one  little  bright- 
eved  boy  pulled  his  mistress'  sleeve,  and  said  : 

•'  If  3^ou  won't  let  Uncle  Bill  whip  me,  I  knows, 
Missis." 

Being  encouraged,  he  led  the  way  around  the 
corner  of  William's  cabin,  and  drew  out  an  old 
gourd,  in  which  still  remained  a  small  quantity  of 
what  the  child  called  ''  lasses.*' 

Taking  the  gourd,  ]Mrs.  Ninus  presented  the 
case  to  Aunt  Dorah,  and  demanded  an  explana- 
tion. The  sight  of  the  empty  receptacle  that  had 
contained  her  diabolical  compound,  was  doubtless 
the  first  intimation  Aunt  Dorah  had  as  to  the  cause 
of  the  sickness.  Her  native  wit  and  adroitness 
were  sufficient  for  the  emergencv,  for  she  ex- 
claimed : 

''  O,  Miss  Liza,  I  see  how  'tis.  Bill  done  tix  up 
some  'lasses,  an'  grease,  an'  'backy,  fur  de  mule's 
shoulder,  whar  it's  sore,  an'  de  chil'ens  done 
eat  it." 


lOO  BOND    AND    FREE. 


(( 


They  must  have  done  so,"  said  Mrs.  Ninus, 
*'and  3^ou  tell  Bill,  hereafter  to  keep  such  things 
away  from  the  children." 

Letitia  administered  the  remedy  prescribed  b}' 
her  mistress,  to  each  a  few  drops  of  turpentine 
upon  a  lump  of  sugar,  a  dose  so  palatable,  that  the 
number  of  patients  increased  till  the  sugar  bowl 
was  empt}^ 


CHAPTER  XII. 


PREACHING  . 


Notice  had  been  received  at  Mulberry  Grove, 
that  there  would  be  preaching  at  a  small  church 
about  live  miles  distant.  It  had  been  built  some 
years  previous  under  the  auspices  of  the  Metho- 
dists, who,  for  a  while,  had  sent  an  itinerant  mis- 
sionary to  monthly  appointments  ;  but,  whether 
from  the  want  of  a  man  to  carry  on  the  work,  or 
loss  of  interest  on  the  part  of  those  whose  duty  it 
was  to  attend  to  the  matter,  the  pulpit  had  for  some 
months  been  declared  vacant. 

Mr.  Ninus  attributed  the  failure  of  the  enterprise 
to  the  ignorance  of  the  men  who  had  been  sent  to 
the  work.  "  One  could  neither  read  nor  write,  and 
those  who  could,  were  as  equally  incapable  of  in- 
spiring respect  or  enlightening  the  hearers." 

However,  Miss  Lintner,  with  Elizabeth  and  Ma- 
ria Antoinette,  decided  to  avail  themselves  of  a 
break  in  the  monotonv  of  Sunday  life.  They  rode 
through  the  forests,  across  the  swamps,  and  found 
the  church  in  a  grove  of  magnolias  and  live  oaks. 

A  number  of  carriages  and  saddle-horses  stand- 
ing in  the  shade,  riding-skirts  hanging  across  the 


I02  BOND    AND    FREE. 

saddles  or  fluttering  in  the  wind  from  pendant 
boughs,  indicated  a  fair  attendance.  Young  ladies, 
and  half-grown  boys  and  girls,  clustered  in  groups  : 
servants,  coachmen  and  footmen,  mostly  hatless 
and  shoeless,  loitered  about  the  woods  or  napped 
upon  logs. 

Upon  entering  the  church,  a  few  middle-aged 
people  were  grouped,  talking  in  loud  tones  ;  in  a 
corner  sat  a  female  figure  in  a  home-spun,  striped 
cotton  gown,  and  a  sun-bonnet,  stiftened  with  paste- 
board, of  such  an  extent  as  to  preclude  all  possible 
view  of  her  face  ;  but  from  its  depths  proceeded  a 
voice  making  quavers  and  variations  to  length}' 
hvmns  ;  an  exercise  from  which  the  owner  must 
have  received  great  solace. 

A  few  more  were  added  to  the  audience  after 
Miss  Lintner  and  the  girls  entered.  Hymn  suc- 
ceeded hymn  from  the  solo  voice,  and  the  waiting 
continued  till  the  sun  neared  its  meridian  height, 
when  the  preacher  entered,  followed  by  a  small 
part  of  the  outsiders. 

The  reverend  gentleman  advanced  to  that  por- 
tion of  the  edifice  allotted  to  the  dispensation  of  di- 
vine truth,  placed  a  small  table  between  himself 
and  the  congregation,  and  retaining  his  hold  upon 
either  end,  leaned  forward  and  spoke  deliberately, 
as  if  he  feared  one  word  might  tread  upon  the 
heels  of  its  predecessor. 

''I  owe  an  apologv.  sisteren  and  brederen,  fur 
keepin' 3^ou  a-waitin*  here  till  so  late.  I  came  early 
and  thought  I  would  walk  through  the  woods  to 
meditate,  ah,  and  the   time  passed  on,  and  when  I 


PREACHING.  103 

looked  up  and  seed  the  sun  nigh  on  to  noon,  I  came 
right  back,  ah." 

Then  retiring  to  the  rest  offered  by  a  split-bot- 
tom chair,  he  clasped  his  hands,  closed  his  eyes 
and  sang  a  hymn,  the  audience  joining  in  the 
chorus. 

"It  is  high  noon,  an'  the  Lord's  on  high, 
Let  us  sing  of  his  glory,  as  he  reigns  in  the  sky, 
He  did  go  in  the  clouds,  an'  he'll  come  soon  again, 
He'll  come  in  the  clouds,  for  to  judge  us  men. 
'  O  Canaan,  bright  Canaan,  I'm  bound  for 
the  land  of  Canaan. 
O  Canaan,  it  is  my  happy  home,  I  am 
bound  for  the  land  of  Canaan.' 

"It  is  high  noon,  an'  the  Lord's  on  high. 
He  sits  on  the  throne,  an'  he'll  judge  you  and  I, 
He  sits  on  the  throne,  but  he'll  come  down  again, 
An  he'll  bring  us  up  in  the  clouds  o'  rain. 
'  O  Canaan,'  etc. 

"  It  is  high  noon,  an'  the  Lord's  on  high, 
He  sees  our  sins,  an'  he'll  make  us  sigh 
When  he  comes  in  the  clouds  in  the  judgment  day, 
Wi'  the  angels  all  in  thar  bright  array. 
'  O  Canaan,'  etc. 

"It  is  high  noon,  an'  the  Lord's  on  high, 
If  sinners  don't  'pent,  he'll  make  'em  cry 
When  he  drives  'em  down  to  the  fire  o'  hell, 
Whar  they  will  howl,  an'  they  will  yell 
'  O  Canaan,'  etc." 

After  a  prayer  he  read  the  twenty-fourth  chapter 
of  Matthew  and  selected  a  text  from  which  to 
preach  ;  part  of  the  seventeenth  verse  : 

''  Top  not  come  down." 

This  announcement  made,  he  stood  with   hands 


I04  BOND    AND    FREE. 

folded  behind  his  back,  silent,  long  enough  to  scan, 
through  a  pair  of  greenish  grey  eyes,  ever}^  indi- 
vidual before  him.  Then  came  the  sermon  :  first  in 
slow,  measured  sentences  ;  but  as  the  discourse  pro- 
gressed, the  speaker  became  wrought  up  to  a  high 
degree  of  nervous  excitement ;  his  ideas  were  em- 
phasized by  vehement  gesticulations  and  pounding 
upon  the  table  ;  his  words  were  so  rapidlv  articula- 
ted, that  there  was  little  chance  for  breathing,  ex- 
cept by  means  of  the  involuntar}-,  long-drawn, 
gasping  "  ah,  "  which  scarce  restored  his  lungs  to 
their  normal  state,  but  sufficiently  so  to  enable  him 
to  discharge  another  vollev  for  the  benefit  of  his 
audience.  The  close  was  an  incoherent  arrav  of 
imperfect  quotations  from  the  scriptures,  with  the 
gasping  "  ah,  "  frequently  repeated. 

Miss  Lintner  found  a  pencil,  and  paper  enough  to 
make  an  abstract,  which  is  given  for  the  benefit  of 
those  who  mav  wish  to  read  it. 

"  These  words,  m}^  sistern  an'  my  brederen,  are 
those  of  our  Saviour,  the  Lord  Jesus  himself.  He 
was  a  carpenter,  built  houses,  worked  with  his 
own  hands.  So  far  as  I  have  read,  I  have  never 
seed  any  .'count  of  his  ever  owning  any  servants  ; 
although  you  all  know,  he  lived  in  the  time  of 
slaver}',  as  well  as  ourselves,  in  this  same  latitude, 
but  he  never  owned  no  niggers,  not  as  we  knows 
on  ;  and  I  suppose  that  was  how  he  come  to  have 
a  trade.  He  came  down  from  Heaven  to  save  us 
sinners  ;  we  are  all  his  servants  ;  he  owns  the  whole 
world  and  all  that  is  in  it.  He  worked  with  his 
own  hands  to  teach  us  that  we  need  not  be  ashamed 


PREACHING.  105 

to  work  with  our  own  hands,  not  even  if  we  have 
great  possessions.  Some  of  you  masters  and  mis- 
tresses own  large  tracts  of  land,  and  hundreds  of 
servants  bought  by  your  money  to  cultivate  your 
rice  and  cotton  fields.  But  I  say  to  all  such,  '  Top 
not  come  down  ' — ah. 

''  Some  of  you  are  not  rich  in  goods,  nor  lands, 
nor  horses,  nor  mules,  nor  servants  ;  you  are  hum- 
ble because  you  are  poor ;  you  must  not  covet 
the  possessions  of  the  rich  man  ;  stay  right  where 
you  are,  the  htunble  '  cracker^ ;  for  I  can  tell  you, 
if  3'ou  undertake  to  climb  out  of  your  sphere,  the 
Lord~will  say  to  you,  as  he  did  to  the  proud  in  the 
old  time,   '  Top  not  come  down  ' — ah. 

"  Let  me  say  to  the  sistern  that  the  sin  of  pride 
is  innervating  into  your  hearts.  It  is  turning  your 
loom  work  out  of  the  big  house  and  giving  it  to 
your  niggers,  while  you  must  dress  yourselves  in 
thinner,  finer — 3'es — good-for-nothinge?'  stuff  that 
the  Yankees  make.  A  few  years  ago,  you  were 
satisfied  with  the  work  of  the  hand-loom  ;  now  you 
must  buy  for  yourselves  and  your  children  store- 
goods.  A  few  years  ago,  ever}'  planter  had  his 
own  shoemaker,  who  made  shoes  good  enough  for 
his  wife  and  children  as  w^ell  as  his  niggers  ;  now 
you,  my  sistern,  must  buy  store-shoes,  made — by 
whom?  made  by  the  Yankees.  A  few  years  ago,, 
you  were  content  to  stay  at  home  the  whole  twelve- 
month; now  vou  must  slip  oft'  to  the  North,  spend 
the  money  earned  here  on  Yankee  finery,  head- 
gear of  flowers,  ribbons  and  lace,  instead  of  sun- 
bonnets  which  hide  the  faces  of  modest  mothers. 


I06  BOND    AND    FREE. 

and  daughters  as  well  as  shelter  them  from  the 
sun — ah.  'Top  not  come  down' — ah.  I  hear 
there  is  a  ladv,  a  Yankee  lad«v,  hired  to  teach  here-^ 
abouts,  employed  to  teach  some  of  our  native  ho7'n 
Car  Una  children,  and  I  have  saw  that  she  wears 
one  of  the  new-fangled  head-gear — ah.  'Top  not 
come  down  ' — ah. 

"  Don't,  my  brederen,  let  the  vanit}^  and  the  no- 
tions, and  the  extravagance,  and  the  folh'  of  the 
Yankees,  hnd  a  lodging  place  among  you,  or  my 
dear  brederen,  if  vou  let  them  get  in  the  wedge 
right  good,  they'll  give  it  a  lick  that'll  bust  the 
South  all  to  smash-ah,  an'  free  every  nigger  in 
Car'lina-ah.     '  Top  not  come  down'-ah. 

"Sinners,  I  sav  to  vou  right  here-ah,  an'  right 
now-ah,  if  3'ou  don't  get  religion  right  here,  and 
now  is  salvation  oftered-ah,  vou  mav  never  have 
another  invite-ah.  '  Come  ye  that  thirst-ah  :  drink 
of  the  water  of  life  freely-ah.'  'Top  not  come 
down'-ah." 

At  the  close  of  the  sermon,  the  preacher  stumbled 
back  and  fell,  exhausted,  into  the  chair,  groaning 
and  heaving  his  chest,  while  tears  coursed  down 
the  furrows  of  his  sallow  and  emaciated  cheeks. 

The  sun-bonneted  figure  in  the  corner  struck  up 
with  a  trembling,  wailing  voice,  a  solo,  the  preacher 
and  congregation  joining  in  the  chorus  : 

"  There  is  a  balm  in  Gilead, 
A  sweet  fresh  balm; 
It  is  good  for  you,  it  is  good  for  me, 
That  sAveet,  fresh  balm." 

The  hvmn  was  sufticientlv  lono;   for  the  excited 


PREACHING.  107 

preacher  to  become  partially  restored,  and  when 
the  singing  ceased,  he  knelt  in'  prayer. 
•  During  the  services  (or  perhaps  we  had  better 
say,  exercises),  Grace  Lintner  sat  uneasily  upon  a 
puncheon  bench,  so  high  that  her  feet  scarcely 
touched  the  floor  ;  behind  her,  preyenting  an  up- 
right position,  was  a  shelf,  upon  which  lay  a  few 
hymn  books,  covered  with  dust,  stumps  of  pine 
boughs  and  bunches  of  sedge-grass,  that  had  been 
used  as  substitutes  for  brooms. 

In  this  uncomfortable  seat,  a  realizing  sense  of 
the  present  came  up  in  yiyid  contrast  with  the  rec- 
ollection of  the  past. 

The  building  in  which  she  sat,  with  its  rude  fur- 
niture and  bad  arrangement,  was  compared  with 
the  grand  old  church  at  home,  its  high  arches  and 
beautiful  stained  windows,  its  comfortable  pews 
and  handsome  appointments. 

She  heard  the  uncertain,  w-ayering  voice  of  the 
sun-bonneted  sister  in  the  corner,  and  remembered 
the  music  of  the  organ  as  it  pealed  forth  an  accom- 
paniment to  the  voice  of  the  congregation,  I'oining 
in  the  invitation,  '^  O.  come,  let  us  sing  unto  the 
Lord  ;  let  us  heartily  rejoice  in  the  strength  of  our 
salvation.''  Before  her  was  the  lank  form  of  the 
preacher,  his  sallow  skin  and  sunken  eves  indicat- 
ing the  ravages  of  chills  and  premature  old  age. 
His  garments  gave  evidence  that  the  hand-loom 
had  been  used  in  their  manufacture,  as  well  as  the 
shears  of  an  unprofessional  tailor,  and,  perhaps, 
before  his  figure  had  attained  its  present  attenuated 
proportions.     From  vehement   gesticulations,   and 


I08  BOND    AND    FREE. 

habitually  thrusting  his  fingers  through  his  long, 
thin  locks  that  hung  in  tangled  masses  about  his 
ears  and  coat  collar,  she  thought  of  the  noble 
face  of  her  dear  old  rector,  clad  in  white,  admin- 
istering at  the  altar  ;  and  while  jotting  down  notes 
of  the  sermon,  as  she  had  been  accustomed  to  do 
at  home,  the  charmed  veil  that  had  hitherto  gilded 
imagination,  and  lent  to  it  the  colors  of  the  rain- 
bow, dropped  at  her  feet ;  gathering  it  up,  she 
threw  it  back  over  the  past,  and  from  that  moment 
a  longing  for  home  crept  into  her  heart,  growing 
stronger  with  each  coming  day. 

At  the  dinner  table,  the  preaching  was  the  topic 
of  conversation. 

Mr.  Ninus  remarked:  "There  is  intelligence 
enough  within  the  neighborhood  of  the  church  to 
maintain,  at  least,  the  monthly  services  of  an  edu- 
cated man.  As  it  is,  we  have  abandoned  the  habit 
of  attending.  I  have  frequently  encountered  the 
man  you  heard  to-day.  He  is  conscientious,  and 
practices  what  he  preaches  ;  but  he  is  extremely 
ignorant,  and  so  radical  in  his  political  views  that 
he  will  never  use  an  article  of  Northern  manufac- 
ture in  his  famil}^  It  was  said  that  a  nail  keg,  in 
which  some  goods  had  been  shipped  from  Savan- 
nah, came  under  his  condemnation  ;  he  caused  it 
to  be  removed  some  distance  from  his  house,  and 
destroyed  by  fire.  Pardon  me.  Miss  Lintner,  if  I 
sa}^  that  the  old  gentleman's  views  are  right  in  the 
main,  if  he  would  follow  the  precepts  of  St.  Paul 
in  regard  to  courtesy  and  liberalit}^,  instead  of  the 
warp    of  prejudice   and    selfishness.       Our  simple 


PREACHING.       ,  109 

habits  and  plain  dress  allow  more  time  and  money 
for  books,  while  the  extra  cost  involved  in  an  os- 
tentatious style  of  living  may  be  put  to  better  uses. 
I  have  been  led  to  infer  that  the  laboring  class  in 
the  North,  and  the  subordinates  in  mercantile 
houses,  exert  themselves  to  make  as  good  an  ap- 
pearance as  those  possessed  of  ample  incomes  ;  the 
result  of  which  is  that  they  seldom  accumulate 
sufficient  means  to  engage  in  business  of  their  own, 
or  even  to  provide  against  sickness,  or  reverses  in 
finances,  which  so  frequently  overthrow  large  es- 
tablishments upon  which  they  depend  for  emplov- 
ment  and  support." 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


THE     GHOST. 


^Mulberry  Grove  was  situated  midway  between 
sea  breezes  on  the  southeast  and  ranges  of  hills  to 
the  northwest,  in  the  tract  of  low-land  well  known 
as  productive  of  rice  and  cotton.  From  the  soil  of 
this  region  emanated  malarial  gases,  vitiating  air 
and  water  ;  under  their  influences  vegetable  and 
the  lower  order  of  animal  life  flourished,  while  the 
human  race  shook  with  ague  or  burned  with  fever. 

x\ided  by  summer  heat  and  daily  showers,  these 
influences  were  developed  to  such  an  extent  that 
all  who  could,  sought  more  healthful  locations  for 
part  of  the  year,  and  left  those  who  remained  to 
sufler  till  the  frosts  of  winter  should  come  to  their 
relief. 

Flies  were  everywhere  from  dawn  till  dark,  out 
of  doors  and  in  doors,  buzzing;  in  the  sunlinrht  or 
crawling  in  the  shade.  Ever}-  person  habituallv 
carried  a  fan  or  fresh  bough,  and  kept  it  in  con- 
stant motion.  If  tired  human  nature  demanded 
rest,  or  it  became  imperative  to  use  the  hands  for 
other  work,  the  fan  or  bough  was  given  to  a  ser- 
vant. 


THE    GHOST.  Ill 

When  food  was  brought  from  the  cook's  prem- 
ises and  placed  upon  the  table,  swarms  of  gnats 
were  seen  coming  from  the  woods  to  obtain  posses- 
sion. Perseverance  on  the  part  of  servants  with 
bushes  could  banish  flies  to  some  extent,  but  gnats 
could  only  be  driven  away  by  creating  a  smoke, 
and  it  was  frequently  necessary  to  remove  dishes 
of  food,  in  which  myriads  had  fallen  victims  to 
their  own  rapacitv. 

Fleas  hopped  from  every  grain  of  sand  ;  ticks 
and  chigoes  populated  everv  blade  of  grass,  every 
shrub  or  tree,  ready  to  leap  upon  the  unfortunate 
wayfarer. 

At  night  the  air  seemed  alive  with  mosquitoes, 
piping  their  shrill  voices  in  a  discordant  lullaby  to 
all  who  desired  sleep.  If  some  of  them  were  ex- 
pelled from  the  house  b}^  smoke,  enough  remained, 
refusing  to  be  driven  from  the  field,  to  displav  their 
powers  in  defying  the  ingenuitv  of  man.  A  broken 
thread  or  a  loose  fold  in  the  netting  did  not  escape 
their  vigilant  search  for  ingress  to  the  sleeper,  who 
considered  himself  fortified  against  their  blood- 
thirsty attacks.  As  morning  dawned,  countless 
numbers  lodged  upon  the  ceilings,  there  to  lie  in 
wait  for  another  night's  depredations. 

There  were  dragon-flies,  beetles  and  gaily 
decked  butterflies.  Insect  life  was  busv  carrving' 
out  the  decree  of  nature,  ^'  be  fruitful  and  multiph^"' 
while  snakes  and  lizards,  not  a  few,  crawled  and 
darted  about  in  quest  of  food  according  to  their 
instinct. 

Morning  dawned,  terminating  a  restless  night  ; 


112  BOND    AND    FREE. 

the  air  was  sultry,  giving  promise  of  an  oppressive 
day.  Grace  Lintner  listlessly  proceeded  with  her 
toilet,  when  Letitia  was  first  to  break  the  silence  : 
"  I  wish  I  had  ro}-  pistol." 

"  And  what  would  you  do  with  a  pistol,  Letitia?  " 
said  Miss  Lintner,  looking  about  as  if  expecting  to 
encounter  an  enemy  of  more  venemous  nature 
than  had  hitherto  assailed  them.  "Would  you 
shoot  snakes,  or  do  you  meditate  a  serious  attack 
upon  any  one,  or  are  you  afraid  of  losing  3^our 
skill  in  firing  at  a  mark?  " 

"  I  do  not  want  to  injure  myself,  nor  anv  one 
else,  but  I  do  wish  to  frighten  William  out  of  an- 
noying me  as  he  does.  I  reached  into  the  corn- 
house  last  evening  to  get  a  few  ears  of  corn  for 
Bowers,  and  was  startled  by  a  snake,  which  was 
partially  hidden  under  the  corn,  but  upon  examin- 
ation I  found  it  to  be  a  skin,  stuffed.  It  was  prob- 
ably placed  there  by  William — one  of  Aunt  Dorah's 
charms.  There  will  be  no  limit  to  my  persecu- 
tions ;  all  the  servants  hold  the  old  creature  in 
great  veneration,  having  implicit  faith  in  her 
power,  and  it  is  plain  that  William  is  courting 
her  aid  ;  and,  now  that  the  master  favors  his  suit, 
I  am  helpless. 

"You  are  my  only  friend;  tell  me,  O,  tell  me, 
what  I  can  do  to  thwart  him  !  " 

"To  thwart  him?"  repeated  Miss  Lintner.  "  I 
would  be  sorr}'  to  feel  unable,  by  some  means,  to 
thwart  such  a  low  wretch  as  William.  I  can  not 
tell  you  what  to  do,  either.  I  am  free  to  will  and 
to    do  ;    if  harm    follows,  I  am  as  free  to  go.     A 


THE    GHOST.  II3 

Yankee  who  can  not  claim  some  ingenuity  in  an 
emergency,  would  discredit  the  reputation  of  his 
people.  The  negroes  are  superstitious,  and  we 
can  best  attack  them  upon  this  point,  and  with  their 
own  weapons  circumvent  old  Aunt  Dorah's  mis- 
chief. I  have  a  project  in  view%  which  may,  or 
may  not,  prove  successful.     Time  will  show." 

Night  came  slowly  on.  When  all  was  quiet,  and 
the  murmur  of  voices  from  house  and  kitchen 
hushed,  Grace  Lintner  slipped  quietly  into  the  li- 
brary, lifted  the  cover  of  a  box,  drew  out  a  skeleton, 
and  carr^'ingit  into  her  room,  laid  it  upon  the  floor. 
The  rattling  bones  aroused  Letitia,  who  started  up, 
exclaiming : 

"  O,  Miss  Grace,  wdiat  are  3^ou  doing?  " 

"Never  you  mind  what  I  am  doing;  lie  down 
and  go  to  sleep  ;  "  a  command  that  the  girl  did 
not  seem  disposed  to  obey,  but  silenth'  sat  watch- 
ing the  young  lady,  who  raised  the  skeleton,  bv  a 
ring  riveted  in  the  top  of  the  skull,  to  a  perpendic- 
ular, and  found  that  she  was  not  tall  enough,  in 
this  way,  to  prevent  the  feet  from  dragging  on  the 
floor.  "  Since  you  are  aw^ake,  help  me  to  contrive 
how^  I  can  carry  this  so  that  it  ma}^  just  touch  the 
ground,  without  tiring  m}^  arms." 

Stepping  into  the  librar}',  Letitia  brought  out  a 
gold-headed  cane,  valued  highh^  by  Mr.  Ninus, 
having  been  cut  by  a  friend,  from  a  wild  orange 
tree  in  Florida.  Placing  the  head  within  the  skull, 
and  securing  it  at  the  neck  with  a  string,  the  skele- 
ton   could    be    raised  and  carried   at  any   desired 

height. 

8 


114  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Letitia  shuddered  as  she  assisted  in  the  arrange- 
ment, by  the  Hght  of  the  moon,  which  shone  full, 
through  the  open  window,  penetrating  the  ghastly 
skeleton,  and  reflecting  a  bright  light  upon  the 
white  clad  figure  behind. 

"  Mother  used  to  say  that  beauty  was  only  skin 
deep,  but  I  never  before  realized  that  the  bones 
could  be  so  fearfully  repulsive,"  said  Letitia. 

"  Repulsiveness  is  not  necessarily  combined  with 
fear,"  said  Miss  Lintner.  "  When  bones  are  en- 
dowed with  life,  muscular  strength,  and  the  prompt- 
ings of  a  bad  heart,  we  have  cause  to  fear  what 
they  may  do  ;  but  this  poor,  lifeless  framework  can 
do  no  harm,  and  may  serve  a  good  purpose." 
Seeing  Letitia  preparing  to  accompany  her.  Miss 
Lintner  added  :  "  You  can  not  go.  I  did  not  pro- 
pose to  involve  you  in  the  least ;  it  is  my  project, 
and  there  is  no  necessity  for  you  to  take  a  part." 

Lowering  the  skeleton  as  much  as  possible,  and 
enveloping  it,  as  well  as  her  own  figure,  in  a  large, 
dark  traveling  shawl,  she  lightly  crossed  the  gal- 
ler}^  and  went  down  the  steps  into  the  yard.  Then, 
following  a  course  where  the  shadows  favored  con- 
cealment, she  proceeded  along  past  the  store  house 
and  kitchen,  by  the  fence,  to  the  fodder  house  and 
stables,  then  again  along  the  fence  toward  the  ne- 
gro quarters. 

The  sultry  heat  of  the  day  had  not  abated  after 
sunset.  The  servants  had  left  open  their  cabin 
doors,  and  out  of  most  of  them  w^as  still  issuing  a 
blue  smoke  from  the  smudges,  that  had  been  made 
to  expel  mosquitoes.     No  sounds  proceeded  from 


THE    GHOST.  115, 

within,  except  sonorous  breathings  of  the  sleepers. 
Outside,  the  melancholy  night-birds  repeated  their 
monotonous  calls,  and  mocking  birds  warbled  in 
the  moonlight. 

Before  x\unt  Dorah's  cabin,  sat  two  tigures  near 
the  embers  of  a  light-wood  tire. 

The  old  negress  was  leaning  her  elbows  upon  her 
knees,  still  puffing  at  an  exhausted  cob  pipe. 

"  Dat  ar'  charm'll  fotch  de  gal,  Bilh%  sho  ;"  the 
individual  addressed  did  not  appear  to  observe  the 
remark,  but  was  looking  intently  across  the  lot. 

"  Mammy  look  ober  dar,  by  de  corn  crib — dar  it 
go  :  to  de  fence." 

'•Wat  you  sees,  bo}^?"  said  x\unt  Dorah,  look- 
ing in  the  direction  indicated.      "  Nuffin  dar." 

"  Dar  was  somelin,  I  seed  'em  went  ober  to  de 
fence,  fum  de  corn  crib, — must  be  a  spook." 

"  Reckon  was  a  w'ir  cat,"  said  Aunt  Dorah,  as 
her  aged  eyes,  in  vain  endeavored  to  penetrate  the 
distance. 

''Dat  ar's  a  pa'arful  high  wir  cat,"  returned 
William  ;  "  wonder  w^har  at  he's  went." 

The  native  element  of  superstition,  and  fear  of 
supernatural  appearances,  was  fully  aroused  in  the 
minds  of  both,  and  when  a  voice  was  heard  from  a 
ghostly  apparition,  standing  within  a  few  feet  of 
them.,  they  were  translixed  with  terror  and  did  not 
attempt  flight. 

"Dorah  and  William,  I  command  you  by  the 
powder  within  me,  to  leave  oft'persecutions,  charms, 
and  conjurations  in  behalf  of  Letitia.     Dare  either 


Il6  BOND    AND    FREE. 

of  you  to  lay  a  hand  to  injure  her  in  any  way,  and 
the  curse  of  heaven  will  fall  upon  you." 

The  apparition  disappeared,  and.  a  few  minutes 
later,  Miss  Lintner  entered  her  room,  and  having 
replaced  the  cane  and  skeleton,  retired  to  rest. 

As  the  summer  advanced,  one  after  another 
yielded  to  the  swav  of  malarial  poison  ;  members  of 
the  white  familv  and  black,  alike  suffered. 

Letitia  continued  in  usual  health,  and  found  em- 
ployment in  taking  care  of  the  sufferers,  dealing 
out  quinine  and  turpentine  in  liberal  doses,  accord- 
ing to  directions.  Her  self-possession,  her  sym- 
pathetic heart,  her  experience  in  happier  days  as 
nurse  for  those  nearer  and  dearer,  aided  b}'  a  strong 
constitution,  rendered  her  capable  of  the  dut}'. 
Her  hands  spread  the  plaster,  prepared  the  bitter 
dose,  or  smoothed  a  disordered  pillow,  while  words 
of  comfort  and  encouragement  were  so  aptly  and 
cheeringlv  spoken,  that  she  forgot  herself,  and  was 
ennobled  in  the  estimation  of  mistress  as  well  as  fel- 
low-servants. x\ll  grew  to  respect  and  appreciate, 
looking  to  her  for  counsel  and  advice,  as  well  as  for 
care.  Night  after  night  it  was  her  duty  to  visit  the 
quarters  and  lock  each  cabin,  to  prevent  the  in- 
mates from  exposing  themselves  to  night  vapors, 
and  each  morning  it  devolved  upon  her  to  release 
them.  Alone  she  passed,  but  no  attempt  at  moles- 
tation disturbed  her  by  night  or  day.  While  work- 
ing to  relieve  the  pain  of  others,  she  forgot  the  bond- 
age of  slavery- ,  and  came  out  through  the  ordeal 
with  a  hd"art  purified  and  strengthened. 

The  dav  came  when  she,  too,  vielded  to  the  sub- 


THE    GHOST.  II7 

tie  fever  which  burned  in  her  veins  and  stopped 
her  work.  Then  it  was  the  teacher's  turn  to  repay 
the  careful  nursing  she  had  herself  received,  till 
the  time  arrived  when  she  was  able  to  return  to  her 
northern  home,  with  the  incidents  and  scenes  of  the 
past  few  months  indeliblv  impressed  upon  the  page 
of  memorv. 

Under  escort  of  the  overseer,  who  was  to  see  her 
safe  as  far  as  Savannah,  Miss  Lintner  bade  fare- 
well to  Mulberry  Grove. 

Reader,  have  vou  ever  sat  under  the  broiling 
heat  of  a  semi-tropical  sun,  scarce  softened  by  the 
shade  of  a  tree,  contending  with  insects,  watching 
for  the  smoke  of  an  expected  steamboat?  Have 
3^ou  waited  from  dawn  till  dark,  day  after  day  ;  each 
night  seeking  rest  at  the  nearest  house,  where  you 
can  scarcelv  breathe  without  inhaling  mosquitoes? 
If  not,  words  can  not  express  the  weariness  of  the 
ordeal.  At  a  season  of  the  year  when  the  river  is 
shallow,  and  but  few  of  the  smallest  boats  venture 
to  carrv  by  daylight  loads  over  the  sandbars,  wait- 
ing for  one  of  them  is  no  pleasant  pastime.  There 
may  be  one  or  two  in  a  week,  leaving  port  at  any 
indefinite  time,  that  is,  when  they  have  obtained  a 
cargo.  Two  may  pass  the  landing  at  about  the 
same  time  :  or,  if  delayed  on  sandbars,  several 
davs  mav  intervene.  For  aught  the  traveler  knows, 
a  boat  may  have  passed  just  before  he  came  in 
view. 

Speculation  is  vain  ;  and  the  only  wise  course 
for  a  man  to  pursue  is  to  submit  to  the  inevitable, 
leave  his  baggage  upon  the  landing,  and,  with  the 


Il8  BOXD    AND    FREE. 

perspiration  oozing  from  everv  pore,  fan  away  in- 
sects, and  watch  for  a  smoke  curling  above  the 
tree-tops  around  the  bend. 

Three  times  had  the  scorching  raA's  of  a  midday 
sun  rolled  over  the  heads  of  the  would-be  travel- 
ers, when  a'cloud  not  larger  than  a  man's  hand 
was  discovered  in  the  distance.  It  might  be  from 
a  camp-fire  and  it  might  be  from  a  steamboat. 
Hope  brightened  as  the  smoke  traced  its  way  along 
the  course  of  the  river,  and,  in  time,  the  smallest 
specimen  of  aflat-bottomed,  stern-wheel  steamboat 
came  in  sight,  recognized  the  signal  and  made  its 
way,  with  difficulty,  to  the  landing. 

Leaving  Miss  Lintner  embarked,  we  will  carry 
our  readers  to  another  scene  of  action. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 
Madison's  freedom. 

When  Esquire  Munser  was  informed  of  the  es- 
cape cf  the  prisoner,  his  heart  quaked  lest  the 
same  far-sighted,  obstinate  determination  in  the  ac- 
compHshment  of  a  desired  end  which  had  charac- 
terized Capt.  Templeton,  and  made  him  so  suc- 
cessful in  business,  might  be  inherited  by  his  son, 
and  render  him  a  formidable  enem}-.  He  lost  no 
time,  therefore,  in  repairing  to  the  tavern,  where 
he  made  an  excited  speech  to  the  assembled  crowd 
of  disappointed  fox-hunters,  taking  care  not  to 
identify  the  prisoner  as  an  individual  in  whom  he 
had  personal  interest,  but  denouncing  him  as  "  a 
horse  and  nigger  stealer,"  whose  capture  was  es- 
sential to  the  preservation  of  law  and  order  in  the 
state  of  Virginia,  and  volunteering  to  head  a  partv 
in  pursuit. 

At  daylight  Oscar  Templeton  and  his  faithful 
aid  found  themselves  upon  the  bank  of  the  James 
river.  Turning  the  horses  loose  to  retrace  their 
steps  homeward  at  leisure,  the}'  awaited  the  com- 
ing of  a  steamboat,  whose  smoke  could  be  seen 
above  the  tree-tops  as  she  came  steaming  down  on 


I20  BOND    AND    FREE. 

her  wa}^  to  Norfolk.  Madison  gave  wa}^  to  an  out- 
burst of  exuberance,  turning  somersaults  upon  the 
grass,  and  displaying  his  ivories  with  uproarious 
glee. 

*'0,  Lord,  Maus  Osca',  wont  ole  Maus,  an'  all 
on  'em,  be  sw'arin'  mad,  w'en  dey  finds  de  fox  all 
dar  in  de  box,  an'  nobody  in  de  jail,  an'  dis  nigger 
done  gone?  O,  Lord  !  I  hears  'em  jes  now,  a  cus- 
sin',  an'  a  sw'arin',  an'  a  huntin'  all  ober ;  an' 
w'en  dey  finds  all  two  de  bosses  done  gone,  won't 
dey  t'ar  'roun?  'F  dey  jes  cotch  me,  dey  jes  'bout 
as  well  kill  me  plum  dead.  Wish  dat  ar  boat'd 
hurrv  'long.  Is  you  got  money  "nough  to  pay  fur 
me  too,  sail?  Til  go  'long  wid  you  whar  3'ou's 
gwine."' 

Oscar  paced  the  bank  impatientlv,  watching  the 
steamboat  as  she  made  toward  the  landing. 

''x\fter  having  served  me  so  good  a  turn,  I  will 
not  forsake  you.  You  can  not  safely  return,  so 
must  go  with  me.  But  you  sav  the  fox  had  not  es- 
caped. How  then,  did  you  manage  to  get  the 
dogs  on  the  track?  " 

"Yes,  Maus  Osca',  Til  tell  you  jes  how  I  fixed 
it,  sail.  I's  stan'in'  by  de  fox  box,  thinkin'  as  how 
I'd  get  a  burry  under  de  jail,  'cause  I  done  seed  a 
big  rat  'ole  dar  'fore,  an'  I  knowed  if  I  had  all 
dem  'ar  lioun's  scratcliin\  dey'd  make  de  -dirt  fly. 
So  de  fox,  he  put  'is  tail  out  de  crack,  dat  mindered 
me  to  cut  it  oft\  an'  make  de  track  w'en  dey  all 
went  to  supper.  'F  I'd  had  all  dat  diggin'  to  do,  I 
don't  reckon  it  had  been  done  'fore  da}'." 

"  I  see,  it  was  one  of  3'our  labor-saving  tricks. 


MADISON  S    FREEDOM.  121 

put  to  a  good  account,  for  once.  Here  we  are, 
Madison,  come  aboard  ;  we  are  now  beyond 
pursuit.'' 

Mr.  Templeton  procured  passage  for  himself 
and  servant,  arriving  at  Norfolk  without  further 
trouble. 

Here  investigation,  based  upon  what  information 
Madison  had  obtained  from  his  fellow  servants, 
elicited  a  confirmation  of  his  statement,  that  Le- 
titia  and  Joe  had  been  shipped  for  some  unknown- 
port. 

Feeling  the  embarrassment  of  the  charge  of 
Madison,  and  want  of  means  to  continue  the  search, 
he  secured  passage  on  a  sloop  about  to  sail  for 
New  York. 

During  his  absence,  no  news  had  been  received 
from  Connecticut,  and  when  he  entered  the  dwel- 
ling where  the  cheering  heart  and  helping  hand  of 
his  sister  had  done  so  much  to  aid  him,  instead  of 
a.o-reetino^,  cam.e  the  sad  intellio'ence  of  her  illness 
and  death.  Mr.  Blue  offered  a  sad  welcome,  but, 
Avithout  sister  ^Mar^-,  he  chafed  to  receive  hospi- 
tality from  one  who  was  absorbed  in  business  and 
his  own  personal  loss. 

With  Madison  the  case  differed.  Free  from 
work  or  care,  he  lived  once  more  in  the  happiness 
of  childhood  with  his  voung  master.  The  respon- 
sibility of  self-ownership  had  never  once  occurred 
to  him.  Trivial  services  that  were  asked  of  him 
at  Mr.  Blue's  were  willingly  performed,  but  the 
thought  of  to-morrow,  or  necessity  of  maintaining 
himself,  had  not  disturbed  the  serenitv  of  his  mind. 


122  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Having  allowed  some  davs  to  pass,  that  the  boy 
mio-ht  be  able  to  use  his  own  observation  in  the 
new  surroundings,  Mr.  Templeton  concluded  it 
was  time  to  place  him  upon  a  proper  footing. 

"  Madison,  this  is  a  free  state." 

"  So  I  hearn  tell,  sah  ;  but  you  jes  tell  me  whar 
at  de  free  part  is.  den  I'll  know  what  dat  means, 
sail.'" 

"  I  mean  that  here  all  the  blacks  are  free,  just 
as  the  white  people.'' 

**  Don't  sav  sol  Dey  all's  no  'count,  is  dey? 
Free  niggers  neber  is,"  expressing  the  impression 
he  had  received  in  Virginia. 

''  They  would  be,  I  suppose,  of  little  account  if 
they  were  like  the  few,  laz}-,  free  blacks  near  the 
old  plantation  ;  but  you  will  find,  here  and  there, 
some  who  are  quite  well  educated,  and  as  able  to 
take  care  of  themselves  as  white  people.  They  all 
have  their  own  time,  earn  their  own  mone}^,  and 
use  it  as  thev  please." 

Madison  gave  a  long,  sharp  whistle,  as  if  such  a 
statement  were  incredible.  "Now  Maus  Oscar, 
you  I'es  know  dat's  one  o'  yer  little  boy  jokes  ;  you 
don't  reckon  all  dese  yer  niggers  gets  der  own 
time,  ebery  da}^  han'  runnin',  does  yer?" 

Seeing  two  of  the  individuals  under  discussion 
across  the  lot,  on  their  way  to  a  factory  beyond, 
Madison  called  them  for  a  corroboration  of  the 
statement  which  was  so  hard  to  be  believed.  '"  Hal- 
loo, you  uns,  where  at  ver  gwine?" 

Scarcely  slacking  their  gait,  one  replied  :   "What 


MADISON  S    FREEDOM.  I  23 

do  you  want?  We  are  going  to  work  in  the  fac- 
tory." 

"  I  jes  wants  to  know  'f  you  all's  free  an'  hab 
3'er  own  time?  " 

"  Of  course,  we  are  free,"  was  the  response, 
"  and  earn  a  support  for  our  families  ;  but  we  have 
no  time  to  talk  to  a  contraband  like  you  are." 

"  I  want  you  to  understand,  Madison,"  resumed 
Mr.  Templeton,  ''that  you  do  not  belong  to  me; 
you  are  your  own  master,  and  must  lind  some  em- 
plo3'ment,  by  which  you  can  earn  j^our  living.  I 
feel  under  great  obligations  to  you  for  restoring  me 
to  .liberty  ;  and  3^our  own  freedom,  obtained  bv 
your  coming  with  me  to  a  free  state,  was  without 
preconcerted  intention  on  my  part ;  purely  an  acci- 
dent resulting  from  circumstances  ;  or,  as  mother 
would  have  said,  providentiall}^  3^ou  are  free.  I 
will  aid  }'ou  as  far  as  lies  in  my  power ;  but  I  am 
poor,  and  must  work  for  m}-  own  support  as  well 
as  you.  It  is  as  new  to  me  as  to  you,  mv  boy  ; 
each  of  us  must  be  his  own  master  to  plan,  and  his 
own  servant  to  do.  Think  over  what  business  vou 
know  most  about,  or  would  like  to  follow,  and  get 
employment  in  it." 

Mr.  Templeton  then  left  him  to  his  own  reflec- 
tions, knowing  that  he  would  thus  better  stud}^  over 
the  problem,  for  the  first  time  presented  for  his 
solution. 

Born  a  slave,  without  a  care  for  food  or  cloth- 
ing, or  an  aspiration  higher  than  a  large  allowance 
of  meat  and  bread,  with  an  occasional  levy's  worth 
of  tobacco,  he  had  been  contented  with    his  lot. 


124  BOND    AND    FREE. 

performing  the  smallest  possible  amount  of  labor 
for  the  landlord  to  whom  he  had  been  hired,  since 
the  new  master,  Mr.  Hunt  Templeton,  had  taken 
possession  of  Temple  Vale.  Yet,  with  the  lazi- 
ness and  stupidity,  which  had  been  ascribed  as 
chief  traits  of  his  character  while  there  employed, 
his  fondness  for  horses,  and  laithfulness  in  supply- 
ing their  necessities,  had  rendered  him  invaluable, 
and  covered  a  multitude  of  other  shortcomings. 

It  is  probable  that  words  had  never  made  a 
greater  impression  upon  his  mind  than  those  just 
spoken.  Strolling  across  the  lot,  he  sat  upon  a 
rock  and  reasoned  with  himself. 

''Your  own  master  to  plan,  and  vour  own  ser- 
vant to  do  ;  Maus  Oscar  says  so,  an'  he  knows  ; 
he's  pa-arful  smart,  alius  wus,  an'  he's  larnt  a  heap 
sense.  I,  Madison,  is  a  free  nigger,  an'  free  nig- 
gers is  some  xount,  cause  de3''s  all  free  yere ; 
Maus  Oscar  knows,  an'  he's  pa-arful  smart,  alius 
wus.  Dat's  one  thing  Fs  done  foun'  out.  Maus 
Oscar  sa3^s,  '  Think  up  wa't  I  knows  best,  an'  work 
at  it,  for  I's  got  ter  make  m}^  own  libin'.'  Dat's 
nudder  thing  I's  done  foun'  out.  I  knows  bosses 
an'  nuffin  else.  INIaus  Hunt,  he  said  so,  an'  dat's 
how  I's  hired  to  de  tabern,   an'  dat's  how  I  o-ot  ter 

-  o 

see  Maus  Oscar,  and  how  I  got  ter  be  free.  Yes, 
sail,  bosses  is  all  right,  an'  I'll  tell  Maus  Oscar  hire 
me  to  de  tabern  yere,  an'  he  may  hab  de  money." 
So  powerful  is  force  of  habit  over  an  untutored 
mind,  that  the  glimmering  light  of  the  truth  breaks 
in  graduall}',  the  main  point  to  be  arrived  at, 
grasped  ;  while  the  old  wavs  and  means  bv  which 


125 

the  end  may  be  accomplished,  are  still  clung  to 
with  tenacity.  Had  he  not  still  felt  that  he  could 
lean  upon  his  young  master  for  aid  and  guidance, 
Madison  would  have  been  as  much  the  object  of 
pity  as  thousands  of  those  who  were  liberated  at  a 
later  day,  and  left  to  rise  or  fall  in  their  own  help- 
lessness. 

Springing,  with  the  agility  of  an  acrobat,  from 
the  rock  where  he  had  been  sitting,  he  ran  toward 
the  palings,  cleared  them  with  a  leap,  and  found 
himself  in  the  road.  Stopping  abruptly,  he  looked 
first  one  way,  then  the  other  : 

"  Whar  at  wus  dat  ar'  tabern,  I  seed?  Dar  it  is, 
down  dis  way;  won't  INIaus  Cscar  be  s'prised  ef 
Madison's  done  hired  hisself  out?     I'll  do  it,  sure." 

Pursuing  his  course  in  the  direction  where  he 
remembered  haying  seen  a  liyery  stable,  he  reached 
it,  and  stood  surveying  the  premises,  till  he  dis- 
covered a  man  engaged  in  sweeping.  Removing 
his  hat,  he  bowed.  The  man  nodded  a  hasty 
"  Good  morning,"  without  stopping  his  work  ;  but, 
perceiving  that  his  visitor  remained,  with  uncov- 
ered head,  he  added,  "  Can  I  do  anything  for  3'ou, 
this  morning?" 

''Yes,  sail ;  please  sah,  I  can  do  something  for 
you,  sah.  I  can  sweep  out  de  stable,  sah,"  laying 
his  hat  down  in  a  corner,  and  taking  the  broom. 
"  I  can't  see  a  w'ite  gentleman  workin*  'round, 
doin'  de  nigger  work,  sah." 

The  man  seemed  amused  at  his  visitor,  relin- 
quished the  broom,  and  kept  him  at  work  the  re- 
mainder of  the  day  ;  and  before  evening  contracted 


126  BOND    AND    FREE. 

to    give  him  employment  permanently,   should  he 
continue  to  do  so  well. 

At  the  expiration  of  a  week,  the  payment  for  his 
labor  was  an  important  eyent  in  his  new  lite.  Of  so 
much  money  he  had  never  before  been  the  posses- 
sor. With  childish  delight,  he  carried  it  to  Mr. 
Templeton. 

"  Here's  your  money,  Maus  Oscar  ;  two  big  dol- 
lars, an'  a  little  un." 

"  I  see,  Madison,  you  have  done  credit  to  your- 
self. This  little  one,  as  you  call  it,  is  half  a  dollar, 
equal  to  four  bits.  It  is  all  your's,  enough  to  bu}^ 
you  a  pair  of  good  shoes  which  3'ou  need  badly. 
Since  you  have  shown  that  you  are  able  to  hire  your- 
self out,  and  have  earned  the  money,  let  me  see  if 
you  are  able  to  buy  a  pair  of  shoes.  Then  I  must 
teach  3'ou  one  more  lesson :  do  not  call  me  Maus 
Oscar,  but  Mr.  Templeton." 

Madison  shook  his  head,  as  if  that  were  a  diffi- 
cult step  to  take.  ''  I  don't  know  if  I  can,  dat's  a 
big  word,  sah,  Mr.  Templeton  :  but  Maus  Oscar 
comes  a  heap  easier." 

*'  Think  about  it  and  buy  your  shoes  now." 


CHAPTER  XV. 


THE    DISCOVERY. 


Upon  the  approach  of  winter,  we  find  Oscar  Tem- 
pleton  engaged  at  book-keeping  in  the  factor}'  ol" 
his  brother-in-law,  while  Madison  continued  in  the 
same  employment  where  he  made  his  first  strike  at 
self-support.  He  is  also  engaged  in  learning  to 
read,  occupying  his  leisure  moments  in  study  ;  and 
but  few  evenings  pass  when  he  does  not  present 
himself  to  his  former  master  for  instruction. 

Having  entered  Mr.  Templeton's  room  at  the 
usual  hour  one  evening,  he  made  an  unexpected 
announcement. 

"O,  Maus  Oscar"  (you  said  I  might  say  Maus 
Oscar,  w'en  we's  in  yer,  all  by  ourselves),  ''w'at  Fse 
gwine  say,  I'se  got  de  track  o"  Miss  "Titia.  " 

'*  Track  of  Miss  'Titia  I  "  repeated  Mr.  Temple- 
ton  in  astonishment. 

"  Yes,  sah  ;  our  Miss  'Titia  ;  I  jes'  knows  it ;  you 
listen  now.  We  got  out  all  de  teams,  las*  night, 
for  a  big  sleigh  ride  ;  all  de  horses  and  sleighs  we 
could  skeer  up,  an'  den  dey  all  piled  in  (I  mean  de 
gentlemen  an'  ladies),  'til  we  couldn't  tote  no  mo'. 
An'  de  boss,  he  sent  me  'long  fur  to  drive.     We  all 


128  BOND    AND    FREE. 

went  clean  to  Waterbuiy  an'  back.  'Twas  pa'ar- 
ful  cold  ;  colder  "n  ole  Wirginnv  ;  an'  dey  all,  de 
ladies  an"  de  gentlemen,  sung  a  heap  o"  nice  songs, 
till  dev  dun  know  no  mo'." 

"  But  what  has  all  that  to  do  with  the  track  of 
Miss  'Titiar"  inquired  Mr.  Templeton  impatiently. 

"You  jes  listin,  till  I  tells  yer  all  "bout  it.  Whar 
at  did  I  leave  off?  O,  we  got  to  Waterbur}-,  an' 
de  gentlemen  an'  ladies,  de}^  all  stop  at  de  tabern, 
an'  go  in,  an'  eat  dar  suppers,  till  de  bosses  rest, 
den  dey  all  gets  in  an'  comes  back.  De}^  gets  tired 
o'  singin'  an'  so  dey  tells  tales.  You  listin,  Maus 
Oscar :  dar's  one  young  lady  as  telled  all  'bout 
down  Souf.  She  went  dar  las"  winter,  an"  our  Miss 
'Titia's  dar.     She  done  seed  'er." 

''Why  do  you  think  it  is  our  Miss  'Titia?" 

"She  said,  the  young  lady  said,  as  'Titia  (she 
didn't  sav  Miss  'Titia)  had  blue  eyes  an'  yeller 
ha'r,  an"  fair  complected,  an'  was  raised  in  Wir- 
ginnv." 

"  Madison,  3'ou  must  have  dreamed  that." 

"  No,  sah  ;  it  was  nary  dream.  Not  much  sleep- 
in'  nor  dreamin'  wi'  dem  skeer}-  bosses.  I  done 
heard  it  wid  my  two  ears,  an"  seed  de  young  lady 
wid  my  two  e3'es,  an'  ye  can  ax  de  gentlemen  an' 
ladies,  fiu*  dey  heard  it  wid  dar  two  ears,  an'  seed 
her  wid  dar  two  eyes.  No,  sir  ;  it's  no  dream,  it's 
sure  "nough."" 

"  Who  was  the  3'oung  lady?  " 

"  Dun  know,  sah." 

"Who  hired  the  sleigh?" 

"  Dun  know,  sah  ;  ax  de  boss,  he  knows." 


THE    DISCOVERY.  I  29 

Mr.  Templeton  drew  on  his  overcoat  and  pre- 
pared to  make  a  call  upon  the  proprietor  of  the 
stable.  Not  that  he  felt  the  same  confidence  ex- 
pressed b}'  Madison,  but  the  possibilitv  of  tracing 
his  sister  through  an  unexpected  source,  was  suffi- 
cient to  cause  him  to  look  up  any  clew,  however 
vague.  He  learned  the  names  of  the  parties  hir- 
ing teams  for  the  occasion  referred  to,  and  after 
making  inquiries  from  one  person  and  another, 
was  directed  to  the  residence  of  Miss  Grace  Lint- 
ner. 

An  interview  with  that  lady  satisfied  him  that 
Madison's  surmises  were  correct.  Mr.  Blue  and 
Dr.  Templeton,  having  been  informed  of  the  evi- 
dence, made  such  arrangements  as  should  enable 
Oscar  to  recover  the  sister  by  purchasing  her  free- 
dom, in  case  she  should  be  found. 

As  soon  as  the  subject  was  agitated,  Madison 
considered  himself  as  much  interested,  and  enti- 
tled to  take  a  part,  as  any  one  else  ;  laj-ing  aside 
his  earnings. 

The  evening  previous  to  Mr.  Templeton's  de- 
parture to  the  South,  the  faithful  servant  brought 
his  hoard  and  placed  it  in  the  hand  of  his  former 
master,  saying,  "  Dar's  nine -dollars,  an'  a  half  a 
dollar,  an'  two  bits." 

Mr.  Templeton  did  not  understand  his  motive, 
but,  supposing  he  intended  giving  it  into  his  care 
for  temporary  safe  keeping,  said  : 

"You  had  better  let  some  one  else  keep  it  for 


130  BOND    AND    FREE. 

you  during  my  absence,  you  may  need  it  before  I 
return . ' ' 

''  Keep  it,  sah  ;  it  is  to  help  pav  for  ]Miss  "Titia^ 
sah  ;  she's  so  good,  de  3^oung  lady  said  so,  an'  dey 
all  found  it  out  down  dar :  it'll  take  a  heap  o' 
money  to  buy  her  ;  keep  it  sah,  an'  tell  'er  Madi- 
son didn't  forget  'is  missus." 

When  Mr.  Templeton  arrived  at  Mulberry  Grove, 
all  signs  of  malaria  had  been  dissipated  by  the 
winter  frost,  and  nature  once  more  appeared  in  her 
most  attractive  mood. 

A  letter  of  introduction  from  Miss  Lintner  was 
the  precedent  of  a  warm  reception ;  but,  when 
informed  that  it  was  the  desire  of  the  visitor  to  pur- 
chase one  of  the  servants,  Mr.  Ninus  withdrew 
his  cordiality,  and,  with  the  dignity  he  could  well 
assume,  assured  his  guest  that  he  had  none  for 
sale. 

Mr.  Templeton  had  flattered  himself  that  he 
could  avoid  revealing  their  family  secret ;  but,  per- 
ceiving that  a  frank  explanation  would  be  the  only 
course  to  pursue,  he  gave  a  brief  sketch  of  their 
historv,  presented  credentials  in  proof  of  his  state- 
ments, and  explained  his  object  in  restoring  his 
sister  to  the  freedom  in  which  she  had  been  edu- 
cated. 

This  had  the  desired  effect  of  softening  Mr. 
Ninus  in  manner  ;  and,  while  he  commended  Mr. 
Templeton  for  endeavoring  to  recover  his  sister, 
said  :  ''  There  must  be  evidence  to  prove  the  iden- 
tity of  the  girl.     I  will  send  for  Letitia,  and  should 


THE    DISCOVERY.  I3I 

she  recognize  you,  and  tell  the  same  stoiy  as  your- 
self, I  shall  be  satisfied." 

Letitia,  in  answer  to  the  summons,  presented 
herself  to  the  master,  scarce  glancing  toward  the 
visitor,  who  was  sitting  near  on  the  gallery. 

"  Letitia,  do  you  know  that  gentleman?"  asked 
Mr.  Ninus. 

Looking  up,  her  eyes  met  those  of  Mr.  Temple- 
ton.  Her  hands  clasped,  for  a  moment  she  stood 
transfixed,  then  rushing  forward  she  was  in  his 
embrace,  her  hands  nestling  around  his  neck. 
"  Brother  Oscar  !  "  "  Little  sister  !  "  while  tears 
of  joy  expressed  more  than  words. 

Adrift  on  the  tumultuous  sea,  tossed  by  its  rolling 
waves,  drifting  farther  and  farther  from  shore,  hope 
had  almost  died  out  with  the  ebbing  tide,  when  a 
firm  rock  was  trodden  upon,  and  a  strong  arm  held 
out  for  support.  With  the  tenacity  of  a  drowning 
person  she  clung  to  her  brother,  and,  as  soon  as 
she  could  speak,  her  words  were,  "Take  me 
home." 

"  Letitia,  come  and  tell  your  history,"  said  Mr. 
Ninus.  "  Who  were  your  parents,  and  where  were 
you  raised?" 

The  evidence  of  the  brother  having  been  proven 
by  her  account,  Mr.  Ninus  turned  to  Mr.  Temple- 
ton  and  said,  "  I  acknowledge  the  priorit}^  of  your 
claim,  sir.  During  the  time  your  sister  has  been 
here,  she  has  more  than  earned  her  freedom — were 
I  to  regard  it  in  a  pecuniar}-  light — in  serving  faith- 
fully, those  who  were  sick  during  the  summer  and 
fall ;  3'et  for  the  same  reason  we  shall  feel  the  loss. 


132  BOND    AND    FREE. 

It  will  afford  me  pleasure  to  sign  my  name  to  her 
emancipation,  and  rejoice  with  you  in  her  restora- 
tion to  family  ties,  and  I  know  that  her  dut}'  will  be 
done  in  an}^  sphere  in  which  she  may  be  placed." 

In  a  few  days  the  famil}^  of  Mr.  Ninus  accom- 
panied Mr.  Templeton  and  his  sister  to  the  river. 
Mrs.  Ninus  pressed  upon  Letitia  a  well-filled  purse, 
saying,  "  Bu}'  something  that  3'ou  can  alwa^^s  keep 
as  a  souvenir." 

At  Savannah  her  striped  cotton  dress  was  re- 
placed by  a  neat  traveling  suit ;  a  new  trunk  was 
bought,  and  filled  with  such  articles  as  would  be 
required  on  her  vo^^age  to  New  York. 

With  the  gift  of  Mrs.  Ninus,  she  purchased  an 
elegant  watch  and  chain.  Said  Letitia:  ''Gold 
w411  not  rust,  and  is  a  suitable  emblem  of  friend- 
ship ;  may  time  teach  me  to  so  number  m}'  da3'S, 
that  they  may  be  devoted  to  wisdom." 

Upon  their  arrival  in  N ,  they  were  met  by 

Dr.  Templeton,  who  had  found  time  to  leave  his 
practice  and  participate  in  a  reunion,  prepared  b}^ 
Mr.  Blue,  at  his  residence,  which  was  hereafter  to 
be  recognized  as  headquarters  for  the  Templetons  : 
Madison  taking  part  upon  the  happ}^  occasion  as 
waiter. 

"No  use  habin'  outsiders  'round,  Mr.  Blue; 
you's  to  de  head,  Maus  Jeems,  Maus  Oscar,  an' 
Miss  'Titia  comes  in  fur  special  jubilants,  an'  I's  de 
on'y  darkey  as  represents  dar  faumer  quality,  sah, 
in  Wirginny." 

After  supper.  Dr.  Templeton  rose  and  addressed 
Madison,  in  behalf  of  the  family:     "We  wish   to 


THE    DISCOVERY.  1 33 

acknowledge  our  gratitude  for  the  services  you  have 
rendered  ;  first,  in  dehvering  one  of  our  number 
from  imprisonment,  while  under  a  false  accusation  ; 
and  second,  fof  your  vigilance  in  discovering  the 
clue  leading  to  the  recovery  of  our  sister ;  neither 
do  we  overlook  the  general  interest  you  manifest 
toward  us,  and  the  efforts  you  have  made  in  your 
own  advancement  in  self-support.  Accept  this,  a 
substantial  silver  watch,  and  let  its  constant  ticking 
tell  you  that  the  Templeton  heart  beats  warmly 
toward  you." 

Madison  was  overcome  b}^  the  unexpected  gift, 
and  stood  holding  it  in  mute  admiration. 

"  Don't  you  wish  you  were  out  of  doors,  where 
you  could  turn  somersaults?"  said  Oscar. 

Madison  placed  the  watch  in  his  pocket,  drew 
himself  erect,  and  said:  "  Maus  Jeems,  I  can't 
make  a  speech,  'cause  I's  jes  learnin'  the  right 
words  to  talk  wid.  If  I  say  '  Thank  you,'  it's  too 
small.  I  neber  speck  to  be  so  happy  again,  'out 
I's  back  on  de  ole  plantation,  an'  Miss  'Titia  de 
missus  once  more." 

Mr.  Templeton  was  so  proud  to  introduce  the 
beautiful  girl,  who  accompanied  him  to  public 
gatherings,  as  "  My  sister,"  that  it  called  forth  the 
remark :  "  One  would  think  she  was  a  sweetheart, 
they  are  so  devoted  to  each  other."  Mr.  Blue  also 
appreciated  the  grace  with  which  she  presided 
over  his  household  affairs,  a  position  that  had,  for 
two  years,  been  vacant.  Her  spare  time  she  de- 
voted to  the  practice  of  music,  and  to  reading  up 
the  current  literature  of  the  day. 


134  BOND    AND    FREE. 

The  spring  and  summer  had  passed,  ^vhen  the 
following  item  in  the  daily  paper  of  N ,  at- 
tracted her  attention : 

"  If  heirs  of  the  late  Capt.  James  Templeton,  of Co  ,  Vir- 
ginia,  will    address   J.    Bruner,  Attorney-at-Law,  G — ,  Co., 

Virginia,  valuable  information  may  be  obtained." 

In  reply  to  inquiries  by  letter,  Mr.  Bruner  wrote 
that  he  had  "  succeeded  to  the  practice  and  busi- 
ness of  Esquire  Munser,  deceased,  and  had  found, 
in  looking  over  papers  left  by  him,  some  that  would 
be  of  great  value  to  Letitia,  daugher  of  James 
Templeton."' 

Acknowledging  the  superior  judgment  of  his 
brother-in-law,  and  his  familiarity  with  business 
matters,  Mr.  Templeton  prevailed  on  Mr.  Blue  to 
go  to  Virginia  with  Letitia. 

A  fortnight  after  the  receipt  of  Mr.  Bruner's 
letter,  they  presented  themselves  at  his  office,  and 
solicited  information. 

After  some  conversation,  he  brought  out  docu- 
ments legally  signed  and  sealed,  wherebv  James 
Templeton  emancipated  his  daughter,  Letitia,  from 
slavery ;  a  deed,  in  which  he  conveyed  to  the 
same,  the  estate  described  and  known  as  Temple 
Vale  ;  together  with  all  slaves  owned  by  him  at 
the  time  of  his  decease. 

Mr.  Bruner  stated  that  he  had  made  a  special 
study  of  the  memoranda  of  the  late  Esquire  Mun- 
ser, and  found  the  date  of  the  signatures  to  coincide 
with  that  of  Capt.  Templeton's  decease,  and  from 
what  he  could  gather  by  indirect  inquir}-,  the  sig- 


THE    DISCOVERY.  1 35 

natures  had  been  made  the  morning  of  the  day 
upon  which  Captain  Templeton  had  died. 

"They  have  not  been  recorded,"  said  Mr. 
Bruner,  "for  reasons  best  known  to  Mr.  Hunt 
Templeton,  and  to  m\^  predecessor.  I  did  not 
send  that  advertisement  to  your  town  until  I  had 
fully  investigated  the  case,  and  there  is  evidence 
enough  to  convict  the  present  occupant  of  Temple 
Vale  of  obtaining  possession  b}'  artitice." 

Turning  to  a  memorandum  book  of  Esquire 
Munser,  there  was  an  item  under  a  date,  two  years 
prior  to  the  death  of  Capt.  Templeton,  "  Executed 
will  for  Capt.  Templeton."  Then  taking  down  a 
ledger  he  showed  them,  charged  on  the  correspond- 
ing date,  to  the  accountof  James  Templeton,  "  For 
will,  $ — ."  "You  can  see,"  said  Mr.  Bruner, 
"  there  was  a  will,  but  it  is  not  on  these  premises. 
I  have  searched  thoroughly  ;  it  must  have  been 
either  destroyed,  or  probably  taken  by  Capt.  Tem- 
pleton and  put  away  by  him.  Have  vou  no  knowl- 
edge of  it.  Miss  Letitia?" 

"No,  sir,"  replied  Letitia.  "Father  seldom' 
communicated  details  of  his  business  to  me.  I  do 
remember  his  mentioning  that  he  had  made  provi- 
sion for  all  of  us,  but  he  did  not  sav  in  what  wa}', 
except  that  he  always  referred  to  Temple  Vale  as 
if  it  belonged  to  me." 

Mr.  Blue  advised  Letitia  to  leave  the  case  in  the 
hands  of  Mr.  Bruner,  and  recover  her  just  rights 
by  litigation. 

Letitia  was  anxious,  before  returning-  to  Con- 
necticut, to  revisit  the  scenes  of  her  childhood.     In 


136  BOND    AND    FREE. 

order  to  gratify  her,  Mr.  Blue  secured  at  the  tavern 
a  pair  of  riding  horses  ;  and,  with  the  anticipation 
of  beinof  once  more  at  her  old  home  —  her's  in 
right,  and  in  deed  —  she  prepared  for  the  ride.  At- 
tired in  a  closely  fitting  habit  of  navy-blue,  and 
cap  of  the  same  color,  encircled  b}^  a  heav}^  os- 
trich plume,  from  beneath  which  a  few  golden  curls, 
refusing  restraint,  toyed  with  the  breeze,  Letitia 
Templeton  with  one  foot  scarcely  pressed  the  hand 
of  her  brother-in-law  as  she  sprang  into  the  sad- 
dle ;  then  adjusting  the  folds  of  her  skirt  upon  the 
sorrel  horsey  she  sat  a  moment  while  Mr.  Blue  pre- 
pared to  accompany  her.  In  reply  to  an  inquiry 
of  the  landlord  as  to  their  being  able  to  find  the 
way,  Letitia,  with  sparkling  eyes,  smilingly  re- 
plied : 

''Thank  you,  Mr.  Carter,  I  will  be  pilot." 

After  they  had  gone  beyond  hearing,  the  land- 
lord, looking  up  to  those  who  were  sitting  upon 
the  porch,  exclaimed:  "Say,  gentlemen,  that's 
the  captain's  geeurl.  I'd  like  to  know  where  she 
hails  from  and  what  is  her  business  in  these  parts." 

The  gentlemen  addressed  had  been  quite  as  much 
occupied  in  observing  the  strangers  as  in  their 
game  of  backgammon,  and  continued  to  watch 
the  couple  till  the}-  disappeared  at  a  turn  in  the 
road. 

"  I  thought,"  resumed  the  landlord,  "  her  face 
looked  familiar  like.  The  names  on  the  book, 
'Lawrence  Blue  and  sister,'  threw  me  oft'the  track, 
and,  till  she  spoke,  I  never  knowed  her." 

"  She  is   handsome,   though,"   said  one   of  the 


THE    DISCOVERY.  137 

spectators.     "Did  you  ^ee  her  foot?     Til  pa}-  for 
drinks,  if  she  wears  a  number  one." 

"  Stake  your  wager,"  said  the  landlord  ;  "  Her- 
kimer, go  across  and  get  a  one,  to  see  if  it  fits  the 
print." 

■The  space  in  front  of  the  tavern  having  been  re- 
cently swept  with  a  brush-broom,  it  was  easy  to  find 
distinct  impressions  of  footprints  in  the  sand.  The 
gentlemen  clustered  around  and  examined  the 
ground. 

"Here's  one,  fair  and  square — heel  and  toe. 
Hand  on  the  shoe,  Herkimer." 

"Hold,  that's  no  way  to  do  I "  said  another. 
"  Here's  a  rule.  Now  we'll  measure  the  footprint," 
placing  a  rule  against  the  impression  and  marking 
its  length.  "  Now  for  the  shoe — you  can't  fool  me 
on  the  number  of  a  girl's  shoe." 

"I'm  dogoned  if  it  ain't  just  the  size,"  exclaimed 
the  landlord,  as  the  heads  came  together  over  the 
measurement.  "Come  gentlemen,  walk  in,  and 
we'll  indulge  at  Bob's  expense." 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

NORA. 

"  O,  Dinah  I  did  you  see  a  lady  an'  a  genleman, 
ridin'  'long  down  de  ab'nue,  pa'arful  slow,  lookin' 
'round  on  de  place,  'bout  two  hours  b}^  sun?" 

Dinah  was  busily  occupied  dropping  corn  dodg- 
ers on  an  oven  pan,  and  scarce  noticed  the  ques- 
tion pf  Terence,  who  had  just  come  in  from  the 
field,  and  stood  in  the  kitchen  doorwa}^  obstruct- 
ing the  entrance  with  his  great  soil-stained  hands 
either  side  of  the  casing. 

"  O,  Dinah  I  does  yer  hear?" 

*'  You  hush  !  Reckon  I  has  time  be  lookin'  out 
de  kitchen,  see  who  goes  by?"  shoving  the  pan  full 
of  dodgers  into  the  oven  and  shutting  the  door  with 
a  slam,  ''  I  don't  get  to  poke  m}-  nose  out  o'  dis 
kitchen  all  day,  nor  ter  look  down  de  road  (de 
ab'nue  as  you  calls  it),  eben  o'  Sunday.  Git  out 
de  pa'f,  till  I  tote  in  a  bucket  o'  water.  Here's 
ebery  bov  an'  girl  on  de  place  big  enough  to  tote 
water,  out  in  de  backy  or  corn  field." 

Terence  held  his  position  without  a  move  to  ac- 
cede to  the  request. 

"  You  jes'  hoi'  3'ou  bosses  now.  Aunt  Dinah,  till 
I  s'prise  you  ;  drop  down  ^^our  lef  year." 


NORA.  139 

Whether  from  a  desire  to  expedite  procuring  the 
water,  or  from  curiosity,  she  compromised  her  dig- 
nity by  incHning  her  head,  as  if  ready  to  hear  what 
Terence  had  to  communicate. 

"  Dat  ar'  young  lady  as  rode  by,  as  Ts  teUin', 
was  our  Miss  'Titian 

Had  the  earth  opened  at  her  feet,  she  would  not 
haye  been  more  astonished.  The  bucket  fell  from 
her -hands  ;  and  she  stumbled  back  into  a  chair. 

Terence  seated  himself  upon  the  sill  and  con- 
tinued :  'T  ain't  a  foolin'.  Aunt  Dinah,  dat  war 
Miss  Letitia,  sartin  an^  sure  ;  I  don't  forgit  in  three 
Christmases.  S'pose  I  disremember  dat  yallerhar 
o'  'hern,  how  it  alius  fell  out  de  fixin's  we'n  she 
rode  hossback,  an'  dropped  down  'er  back  long 
an'  curly-like?" 

"  Don't  talk  'bout  Miss  'Titia's  ha'r,  boy  ;  didn't 
I  comb  an'  brush  it  'round  my  fingers  w'en  she 
wa'nt  bigger'n  m}^  Becky  thar,  an'  w'en  she 
growed  up  to  a  young  lady?  Jes  think  'f 'er  ma 
had  a  knowed  when  she  died,  what  would  come  to 
dis  plantation.  It  don't  do  no  good  grieyin'," 
stopping  to  wipe  the  tears  with  her  apron,  "  I'ye 
grieyed,  an'  grieyed,  'till  Tm  hardened  to  it,  an' 
dar  'aint  no  use  grieyin'  no  mo'." 

"  What  I's  gwine  say.  Aunt  Dinah,  I  was  a  settin' 
under  de  fence,  pickin  a  thorn  outen  my  foot,  w'en 
I  seed  'em  come  'long  ;  so  I  keeps  still  like,  an' 
w'en  dey  gets  'long  side,  dey  didn't  see  me.  Miss 
'Titia  spoke  'bout  de  quarters,  how  dey's  changed, 
an'  de  house,  too.     An'  I  know'd  'er  yoice." 

"Wish  'twas  me;    wouldn't  a  cotch  me   hidin' 


140  BOND    AND    FREE. 

under  a  fence  like  a  runaway.  I'd  a  spoken,  said 
*  howdy,'  an'  axed  'er  w^har  Joe  is  at." 

"Aunt  Dinah,  I  don't  reckon  I's  quite  as  old  as 
you  is,  but  I's  learned  one  thing,  ter  keep  my  jaw 
shet,  an'  I  'vise  3^ou  to  do  the  same  'striction  to 
you'rn,  sometimes." 

"  O,  Lord!"  said  Dinah,  with  a  long-drawn 
sigh,  "  I  knowed  dis  mornin'  sumfin's  gwine  ter 
happen.  Dat  minders  me  as  how  de  rooster  flew 
up  top  de  gate  an'  crowed  three  times  ;  dat's  a  sure 
sign.  Ef  I'd  onl\^  dropped  my  dish  rag,  she'd  a 
come  in.  Poor  honey  ;  I  can't  blame  'er  for  not 
comin'  to  see  Aunt  Dinah.  Missus  w^as  alius  so 
tender  on  'er,  an'  Maus  Jeems  too.  It  went  pa'aful 
hard  to  see  er  tuck  oft',  and  m}^  Joe,  too,  by  dat 
willin.  Dear  me,  I  must  fill  de  tea-kettle,  an'  kill 
de  chickens  ter  fr\^  Dar  comes  de  ban's,  dodgers 
mos  done  ;  jes  haf  soak  a  little  yet — go  'way,  boy, 
I  'aint  got  no  mo'  time  be  foolin  'round  dis  time  o' 
day." 

The  field  hands  came  in  and  partook  of  their 
usual  evening  meal,  corn  dodgers  and  buttermilk, 
or  clabber,  while  Dinah  was  occupied  preparing 
supper  for  the  house. 

Nora,  her  oldest  child,  who  had  been  at  work  in 
the  field  all  day,  w^as  sent  in  to  set  the  table. 

The  .biscuits  w^ere  made  by  Mrs.  Templeton,  in 
the  dining  room,  counted,  and  sent  into  the  kitchen 
to  be  baked.  Correct  returns  w^ere  exacted  from 
the  waiters,  in  default  of  which,  trouble  was  sure 
to  ensue-. 

*' Twenty,    tw^enty-one,    twenty-two    and    two's 


NORA.  141 

twent3'-four,  and  two's  twenty-six,  and  one  more  is 
twenty-seven — and  where  is  it?"  fiercely  inquired 
the  mistress,  as  she  took  a  plate  of  biscuits  from 
the  hands  of  the  slender  girl,  Nora,  who  might  be 
twelve  vears  of  age.  "  Bring  in  that  other  biscuit, 
this  minute,  or  I'll  give  you  forty." 

With  a  frightened  look,  the  child  retraced  her 
steps  to  the  kitchen,  and  Mrs.  Templeton  gave  at- 
tention to  her  family,  surrounding  the  table,  assert- 
ing her  intention  ''  to  break  up  lying  and  steahng 
among  everv  last  one,"  meaning,  not  her  own 
children,  but  the  servants.  The  meal  was  con- 
cluded before  Nora  reappeared,  coming  up  the 
steps  of  the  porch  without  the  article  demanded  ; 
here  she  w^as  faced  by  the  angr}'  mistress. 

"  You  stole  that  biscuit,  I  know'  3'ou  did." 

"I  bringed  'em  all  in.  Miss  Susan,"  said  the 
child,  timidly. 

"Yes,  you  did,  did  you?  I'll  teach  you  lying  is 
lying,  and  stealing  is  stealing  ;  go  and  bring  that 
cowhide,  I  say." 

Mrs.  Templeton  ahvays  kept  such  an  article  on 
hand,  not  for  intimidation,  as  may  have  been  the 
case  w'th  some,  who  had  less  ph^'sical  strength,  or 
more  delicacy  of  feeling,  but  for  use  ;  and  it  was 
her  custom  to  require  the  offender  to  bring  the 
weapon  and  hand  it  to  her  in  an  approved  manner, 
before  receiving  a  punishment — hence  the  order 
was  well  understood. 

In  handing  the  whip  to  her  mistress,  she  ven- 
tured to  plead  her  own  defense,  however  little  it 
might  avail  in  softening  the  penalty. 


142  .  BOND    AND    FREE. 

"Please,  Miss  Susan,  I  didn't  take  de  biscuit,  I 
bringed  'em  all  in." 

Down  came  the  whip  with  a  crack,  over  the 
shoulders  of  the  cringing  child,  and  left  a  sting 
through  the  single  garment  that  protected  her. 

"You  dare  tell  me  3'ou  didn't  take  it?"  another 
and  another  blow  was  wielded  with  muscular 
strength. 

"  I  made  twenty-seven,  and  you  took  them  to 
the  kitchen.  You  stole  one,  you  know  you  did." 
Lash  after  lash  fell  upon  the  quivering  flesh,  bring- 
ing shrieks  from  the  little  sufferer,  with  exclama- 
tions of  "  O,  don't,  Miss  Susan,  please  don't." 

The  violence  of  an  uncontrolled  temper  absorbed 
reason,  and,  with  the  liuy  of  a  maniac,  she  re- 
versed the  cowhide  and  struck  upon  the  child's 
head  with  the  butt. 

Jerry  came  around  the  corner  of  the  house  in 
time  to  witness  this  last  act  as  Nora  fell,  rolled  dow^n 
the  steps,  and  lay  insensible  upon  the  ground  :  and 
he  called  out,  "  You've  linished  your  work  this 
time,  mother." 

"  O,  my  God  ;  she  has  killed  Nora  !  "  exclaimed 
Dinah,  as  watching  at  the  kitchen  window,  she 
had  witnessed  the  whole  transaction,  and  knew 
from  experience  that  interference  on  her  part 
w^ould  only  increase  the  anger  of  her  mistress. 

"What's  all  this  row  about?"  continued  Jerry, 
"  That  biscuit?     I  took  the  biscuit,  mj^self,  out  of 
the  oven,  just  as  Nora  was  taking  in  supper,  but  I 
didn't  think  3^ou  would  kill  a  nigger  for  a  biscuit. 
A  smart  girl  like  her  can't  be  bought  for  less  than 


NORA.  ,  143 

five  hundred  dollars,  now  she  is  big  enough  to  drop 
corn  and  worm  tobacco." 

Mrs.  Templeton  felt  somewhat  discomfited  that 
the  effects  of  her  anger  had  resulted  so  seriously, 
but  replied.  "  Hum  I  you  can't  kill  a  nigger  that 
easy  ;  she'll  drop  corn  and  worm  tobacco  yet.  Get 
the  camphor  bottle,  Nellie  ;  she'll  come  to." 

Nellie  procured  the  remed}^,  followed  Dinah  as 
she  tenderly  raised  the  limp  form  of  her  child,  car- 
ried her  into  the  kitchen,  and  laid  her  upon  a  bed  ; 
then  bringing  a  noggin  of  water,  she  bathed  the 
head,  and  absorbed  with  a  bit  of  soft  rag  the  blood 
that  trickled  from  an  ugly  cut  on  the  temple, 
speaking  in  low,  soothing  tones,  "Mammy's  here, 
honey,  she's  got  you  now.  Is  you  killed,  honey? 
don't  you  hear  mamm}^?  " 

Those  of  the  servants  who  had  witnessed  the 
scene,  retired  to  the  quarters  ;  and  those  who  had 
not,  upon  being  informed,  stealthily  approached 
the  kitchen,  peeped  in,  or  made  an  excuse  to  enter. 

If  any  one  came  near  to  render  assistance,  they 
were  repelled  by  Aunt  Dinah's  strong  bare  arm, 
and  emphatic  command,   "'  Go  'way,  go  'way  off." 

Looking  up  at  one  time  she  encountered  the  face 
of  her  mistress,  stooping  near,  and  looking  at  the 
apparently  lifeless  victim  of  her  violent  temper. 

With  the  fury  of  a  tigress  robbed  of  her  ^^oung, 
her  eyes  flashed  ;  she  advanced  a  step,  and  clench- 
ing her  fist  screamed  :  "  You've  killed  my  Nora  ! 
May  the  day  come  w'en  3'our  husband's  tuck  oft', 
an'  your  children's  knocked  down  in  your  sight, 
an'  your  hand  is  too  feeble  to  save  !     Go  'way,  go 


144  •  BOND    AND    FREE. 

'way  off,  I  say  ;  I  don't  want  you  here,"  stamping 
her  foot  and  pointing  to  the  door. 

Was  it  the  instinct  of  revenge,  measuring  the 
depth  of  grief  she  was  suffering,  that  led  her  to 
reaHze  the  enormity  of  the  penahy,  and  induced 
her  to  pronounce  such  a  curse?  Was  that  curse 
written  by  the  recording  angel,  "Vengeance  is 
mine  ;  I  will  repay,  saith  the  Lord?  " 

Mrs.  Templeton  quailed,  shrank  awa}^  and 
locked  herself  in  her  own  room. 

Aunt  Dinah  returned  to  her  charge  ;  placing  her 
fingers  upon  the  wrist,  a  feeble  pulse  could  be  felt, 
and  breathing  was  restored.  Calling  Nellie  to  pre- 
pare a  mustard  plaster,  she  placed  it  for  several 
inches  in  length  along  the  upper  part  of  her  spine, 
sa34ng,  "  We  can  jes  try  if  it'll  cure  dis  head  ;  ole 
missus  used  to  cure  her  headache  so." 

Nora  slept :  sometimes. moving  from  spasmodic 
action  of  the  muscles,  but  slept  on,  all  night;  slept 
on,  day  after  dav,  the  mother  always  near,  watch- 
ing and  waiting.  A  fortnight  passed  before  she 
awoke.  Gradually  phvsical  health  was  restored, 
but  not  reason. 

Words  came  slow  and  inarticulate,  but  finally 
resolved  themselves  into  the  last  sentence  she  had 
spoken:  "  O,  don't,  Miss  Susan,  please  don't.  I 
didn't  take  de  biscuit :  I  bringed  'em  all  in  ;"  with 
a  meaningless  stare,  she  would  drawl  it  out,  when- 
ever addressed. 


CHAPTER  XVII 


OLD    ^'IRGI^•IA 


^'  I  WISH  it  were  possible  to  restore  the  house  to 
its  former  simpHcit}' ;  3'ou  will  please  see  that  all 
the  furniture  used  by  Mr.  Hunt  Templeton's  family 
is  removed  by  him." 

Thus  wrote  Letitia  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Bruner,  af- 
ter he  had  successfully  carried  her  case  through 
the  courts,  and  taken  possession  of  Temple  Vale 
as  attorney  for  his  client. 

In  Connecticut  she  had  been  unavoidably  de- 
la^'ed.  It  had  been  necessary  to  train  the  new 
house-keeper  in  what  best  suited  the  taste  and 
habits  of  Mr.  Blue.  His  wardrobe,  as  well  as 
those  of  her  brothers,  must  be  left  in  good  order. 
Furniture  and  carpets  were  to  be  selected  and 
shipped  to  Virginia  ;  bedding  and  table  linen  must 
be  made.  She  must  dine  with  one,  spend  the  even- 
ing with  another,  and  as  the  time  for  her  departure 
approached,  every  moment  seemed  crowded  with 
imperative  duties. 

Mr.  Blue,  as  well  as  Dr.  Templeton,  endeavored 
to  persuade  Letitia  to  sell  her  property  in  Virginia 
and  settle  permanently  in  Connecticut,  but  no  in- 
10 


146  *  BOND    AND    FREE. 

ducement  could  in  the  least  affect  her  determina- 
tion. 

"Do  not  agitate  the  subject  any  more,  please," 
she  said  at  last ;  "  ever}-  tree  and  fence  on  the  old 
plantation  is  dear  to  me  ;  and  the  servants,  what 
should  I  do  with  them?  Were  I  to  sell  them,  sep- 
aration of  families  could  not  be  prevented,  and  a  vast 
amount  of  miser}-  would  result.  If  they  are  liber- 
ated, they  do  not  know  how  to  take  care  of  them- 
selves, and  would  suffer  the  consequences.  My 
duty  is  plain  ;  to  let  all  remain  as  during  our  par- 
ents' lifetime,  and  I  will  spend  my  years  at  Temple 
Vale." 

The  brothers  could  not  but  see  the  wise  argu- 
ments of  their  sister,  however  much  they  might 
shrink  from  allowing  her  to  undertake  the  respon- 
sibility without  the  aid  of  either  of  them.  But  each 
had  his-  own  sphere  of  labor,  and  could  not  abandon 
it.  Relying  upon  the  honorable  law3'er,  Mr.  Bru- 
ner,  to  stand  by  her  in  case  of  difficulty,  they  de- 
sisted making  further  objections,  and  allowed  her 
to  do  as  she  pleased. 

"  Miss  Letitia,  will  I  send  m}-  trunk  up  here,  to 
go  wid  de  truck,  or  will  I  take  it  down  to  de  depot 
from  de  stable?" 

"Why,  Madison,  are  vou  intending  to  go  to  Vir- 
ginia with  us?"  asked  Letitia  in  surprise,  "I  thought 
you  would  prefer  to  remain  here." 

"I  don't  prefer  ter  'main  here.  Miss,  an'  I'se  a 
gwine  to  Wirginny  wid  you,"  said  Madison,  em- 
phaticalh'.     "  Didn't   you  say   as   how   all    on    us 


OLD    VIRGINIA.  1 47 

'longs  to  you.     Don't  I  know  I  isn't  free  no  more? 
I'se  a  gwine  back  wid  you." 

"  If  you  wish  to  remain  here,  I  will  emancipate 
you  ;  that  is,  I  will  give  you  free  papers  ;  you  are 
under  no  obligations  to  return  to  slavery." 

'' You  jis'  hush,  Miss  Letitia,  'bout  free  papers, 
an'  'turn  to  slavery,  an'  all  sich  talk.  Do  you  'spose 
I'se  gwine  let  you  go  down  dar,  on  de  ole  planta- 
tion, an'  pay  out  a  heap  o'  mone}^  hirin'  oberseers, 
bossin'  'round,  an'  I  stay  up  here,  hirin'  my  own 
time?  No,  miss,  you  can't  'suade  me  out  o'  wiiat 
is  dissided.  Fse  gwine  whar  you  goes.  If  you'd 
stay,  so  would  I  ;  you  goes,  so  does  Madison." 

"  I  will  be  glad  to  have  you  go,  if  you  do  so  of 
your  own  will." 

"  I  won't  cost  you  an3^thing,  Miss  Letitia,  my 
trunk  's  full  o'  good  clothes,  an'  de  Bible  you  gi' 
me  Christmas,  an'  de  spellin'  book,  an'  a  slate.  I'se 
saved  up  de  money  fur  to  pay  my  fare,  so  it  won't 
cost  you  anything.  Don't  reckon  Uncle  Joe's  got 
back  yet,  so  I  don't  see  as  I  could  be  spared,  to  look 
after  things." 

The  tears  came  in  Letitia's  eyes  at  this  expres- 
sion of  faithfulness,  as  she  said  :  "Ver}-  well,  send 
your  trunk  here,  and  it  will  go  with  mine." 

'' Thank  3'ou,  Miss  ;  Madison  '11  stand  true  to 
Miss  Letitia,  an'  true  to  ole  maus'  chillun',  an'  true 
to  de  ole  plantation." 

Leaping  over  the  fence  (he  rarely  used  a  gate), 
he  walked  down  the  street,  singing : 

"  Carry  me  back  to  ole  Wirginny.  " 


148  BOND    AND    FREE. 

In  the  decision  of  the  court,  the  stock  and  all  ap- 
purtenances of  the  farm,  belonged  to  Miss  Temple- 
ton,  having  been  purchased  out  of  the  profits  aris- 
ing therefrom. 

An  overseer  had  been  placed  in  charge  until  the 
owner  should  come,  and  he  granted  a  holiday  to  all 
the  servants  on  the  day  of  her  arrival.  The  old 
carriage  had  not  been  used  since  the  occasion  of 
Captain  Templeton's  funeral,  and  upon  it  Terence 
had  spent  considerable  time  and  ingenuity  to  ren- 
der it  fit  for  the  conve^-ance  of  his  mistress  to  her 
old  home.  Shabby  as  it  was,  he  ascended  to  his 
seat  with  a  lighter  bound  than  he  had  been  accus- 
tomed to,  in  taking  out  the  fiper  equipage  that  had 
been  used  and  taken  awa}'  by  the  recently  deposed 
master. 

The  servants  went  in  a  bod}'  down  on  the  public 
road.  When  the  carriage  came  in  sight,  bringing 
Mr.  Oscar  and  Miss  Letitia,  Terence  halted,  that 
the}^  might  receive  a  welcome  home  ;  neither  would 
the  servants  be  satisfied  till  the  horses  were  un- 
hitched and  led  on  by  Madison,  while  they  hauled 
the  carriage  bv  hand  up  the  avenue  to  the  house. 

The  dinner  had  been  prepared  over  a  camp  fire, 
in  the  absence  of  a  cook-stove,  and  displa3'ed  the 
thoughtfulness  of  all  who  could  bring  an  offering 
procured  by  their  own  hands.  Upon  a  bench  be- 
neath the  branches  of  a  shady  tree,  was  spread  a 
repast  of  Aunt  Dinah's  own  cooking.  Odds  and 
ends  of  dishes  from  the  cabins  received  savory 
meats  ;  there  was  a  turkey,  delightfully  browned, 
a  pig,  game  of  a  variety  furnished  from  the  woods. 


OLD    VIRGINIA. 


149 


cabbage  and  sweet  potatoes  from  Uncle  Dan's 
truck  patch,  beaten  hominy,  pickled  walnuts  and 
peaches,  and  biscuits  that  could  not  be  excelled. 
For  dessert  there  was  clabber,  served  with  cream, 
and  watermelons,  cooled  in  the  running  spring. 

Such  a  dinner  might  not  suit  some  of  my  read- 
ers, but  ever}^  one  likes  to  have  dishes  prepared 
"just  as  mother  used  to  ;  "  and,  for  the  same  rea- 
son, Mr.  and  Miss  Templeton  enjoyed  such  a  bill 
of  fare,  as  their  mother  used  to  have,  much  more 
than  the  choicest  delicacies  from  a  different  cuisine. 

Aunt  Dinah  was  rewarded  by  the  praises  of  the 
recipients.  "  Did  3^ou  use  soda  in  these  delightful 
biscuits?"  asked  Letitia. 

"No,  Miss;  I  never  puts  in  sich  truck;  jes  a 
pinch  o'  salt  an'  not  too  much  water  ;  takes  a  heap 
o'  beatin'  make  'em  good." 

The  house  had  been  already  cleaned,  and,  when 
the  wagons  came  with  the  furniture,  many  hands 
made  the  work  light,  in  preparation  for  a  comfort- 
able night's  rest.  A  large  box  was  opened  con- 
taining presents  for  all.  There  was  a  package  of 
gay  bandanna  handkerchiefs  distributed  ;  patterns 
of  calico  and  gingham  for  Sundtay  wear ;  colored 
shirts  and  neck-ties  ;  something  for  every  one  on 
the  place.  Neither  had  sweets  been  forgotten  ; 
not  concentrated  in  bon-bons,  but  consisting  of 
long  sticks  of  red  and  white  peppermint  twist, 
candy  gooseberries,  kisses  and  caraway  seeds, 
which  were  bestowed  upon  all,  from  old  Uncle  Si. 
down  to  the  toothless  baby,  and  received  with  shin- 


150  BOND    AND    FREE. 

ing  eyes  and  "thank  30U  Maus  Osca'  and  Miss 
'Titia,"  and  "  mus'  be  Christmas,  sure." 

The  servants  had  all  retired  to  their  cabins,  ex- 
cept Dinah,  who  lingered  in  her  mistress'  room, 
completing  arrangements  for  the  night.  She  spoke, 
hesitatingly:  "Please,  Miss  'Titia,  tell  me  all 
'bout  Joe,  whar  he  is  at." 

"  I  can  not  tell  you  where  Uncle  Joe  is  now  ;  we 
separated  in  Florida,  a  few  weeks  after  leaving 
here  ;  but  it  is  my  intention  to  find  him,  if  possible, 
and  have  him  with  us  again.  I  mav  not  be  able 
to  fetch  him  this  winter,  for  there  is  much  to  be 
done  here  just  now  ;  but  as  soon  as  I  find  leisure, 
he  must  be  hunted  for.  You  are  very  tired,  Aunt 
Dinah.     Good  night." 

Mr.  Templeton  returned  to  his  business  in  the 
North  as  soon  as  everything  was  in  running  order 
at  Temple  Vale.  To  Madison  was  appropriated  a 
room  in  the  house,  communicating  with  that  of  his 
mistress  by  means  of  a  speaking  tube  ;  and  Jane, 
his  sister,  occupied  a  small  apartment  adjoining. 
For  additional  protection.  Dr.  Templeton  had  pre- 
sented his  sister  with  a  brace  of  silver-mounted 
pistols  and  committed  to  ?vIadison's  keeping  a  pair 
of  large  mastifis. ' 

Assembling  all  the  hands  in  the  yard.  Miss  Tem- 
pleton, on  the  day  following  his  departure,  made 
her  first  address  in  language  adapted  to  their  com- 
prehension, explaining  the  course  marked  out  for 
them.  At  the  sound  of  the  bell  they  were  to  pre- 
sent themselves  everv  mornino-  for  devotion,  which 
consisted  of  reading  and  explaining  a  few  verses 


OLD    VIRGINIA.  I5I 

from  the  Scriptures,  followed  b}'  a  simple  petition, 
and  the  Lord's  praver,  in  which  all  were  desired  to 
join.  Tfie  whole  exercises  occupying  about  ten 
minutes. 

Miss  Templeton  determined  to  abolish  corporal 
punishment  among  the  adults,  and  furnish  every 
possible  inducement  to  develop  mental  power  and 
moral  impulses,  by  means  of  encouragement  and 
rewards.  Labor  was  systematized,  and  daily  tasks 
expected.  iVll  deserving  merit  were  allowed  a 
weekly  half-holida3%  which  time,  such  as  desired, 
could  spend  on  the  farm  and  receive  payment  for 
it  or  devote  to  making  wooden  bowls,  shuck  mats, 
or  anv  other  articles  which  thev  could  sell  in  the 
village. 

With  the  intention  of  returning  in  the  spring  to 
the  method  of  gardening  adopted  by  her  mother, 
a  piece  of  ground  was  offered  to  all  obeving  orders 
during  the  winter. 

The  voung  mistress  deak  with  those  in  her 
charge  as  with  children.  Cases  of  perverseness 
and  disobedience  arose,  violations  of  law  and  or- 
der, requiring  decision  ;  but  her  task  was  light 
compared  with  that  of  many  ladies.  Some  had 
husbands,  onlv  masters  in  name,  who  spent  their 
time  in  lounging  about  the  nearest  tavern,  leaving 
to  their  wives  the  management  of  large  estates. 
There  were  mothers,  with  large  families  of  chil- 
dren, whose  husbands  had  leisure  to  pass  the  time 
at  winter  or  summer  resorts,  and,  when  at  home, 
caused  trouble  by  promoting  disorder,  or  inciting 
rebellion  among  the  negroes.    There  were  mothers, 


152  BOND    AND    FREE. 

who,  in  addition  to  rearing  and  educating  their 
own  children,  must  superintend  the  cutting  and 
making  of  every  garment  worn  by  their  large 
families  ;  mothers,  who  must,  in  sickness,  for  want 
of  a  physician's  advice,  suffer  themselves  and  see 
their  families  suffer,  w^hen  disease  appeared  that 
was  beyond  their  power  to  alleviate.  There  were 
wives  and  children  without  protection  on  planta- 
tions miles  distant  from  neighbors,  with  vicious 
servants  whom  the  mistress  feared  to  command. 

When  Miss  Templeton  discovered  the  condition 
of  the  unfortunate  child  Nora,  and  learned  the 
cause,  she  made  a  careful  examination  as  to  the 
character  of  the  injury  and  the  reason  of  but  partial 
recovery.  Having  found  out  that  medical  advice 
had  never  been  procured,  she  wrote  out  a  state- 
ment of  the  case  and  submitted  it  to  her  brother, 
desiring  his  opinion  as  to  the  possibility  of  deriving 
benefit  from  medical  treatment.  His  reph^  was 
quite  encouraging,  advising  her  to  send  Aunt 
Dinah  with  the  child  to  him,  when  he  would  place 
them  in  a  hospital,  and  see  what  could  be  done  to 
restore  the  brain  to  healthy  action. 

The  younger  children  were  left  in  the  care  of 
Jane,  and  Miss  Templeton  went  as  far  as  Norfolk, 
to  place  Dinah  and  Nora  on  a  vessel  bound  for  Con- 
necticut. 

Upon  the  approach  of  winter,  the  large  dining- 
room  was  converted  into  a  chapel  for  daily  as  well 
as  Sunday  worship. 

Commencing  with  the  history  of  the  creation,  in 
the  first  chapter  of  Genesis,  Miss  Templeton  read 


OLD    VIRGINIA.  1 53 

and  explained  from  day  to  day,  and  from  week  to 
week,  the  account  of  Moses,  suiting  her  language 
to  their  capacities,  and  shew«is  surprised  at  the  in- 
terest manifested. 

As  soon  as  it  was  known  that  Madison  could 
read,  he  was  beset  with  questions  and  solicitations 
to  repeat  Miss  Letitia's  account,  and  make  still 
further  explanations,  so  that  unconsciously  he  be- 
came a  valuable  assistant  in  instruction. 

With  the  piano  for  accompaniment,  they  were 
taught  to  sing  hymns,  which,  with  the  native  Afri- 
can fondness  for  music,  rendered  Sunday  a  day 
of  pleasurable  anticipation  ;  so  much  so  that,  by 
spring,  requests  came  from  Oak  Lawn  and  adjacent 
plantations,  that  others  might  be  allowed  to  come  to 
"  the  preaching  "  at  Temple  Vale.  Several  of  the 
hands  emplo3^ed  their  half  holidays  in  hewing  out 
puncheon  benches,  for  the  back  ^^ard,  which  the 
increasing  number  made  it  necessar}^  to  use  in  fa- 
vorable weather. 

Whether  their  worship  was  canonically  author- 
ized or  not,  was  a  question  that  had  not  suggested 
itself  to  the  mind  of  Miss  Templeton  or  that  of  her 
unbaptised  people.  A  desire  to  diffuse  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  truth,  and  improve  the  condition  of 
her  servants,  rendered  her  as  true  a  missionary  as 
if  she  had  gone  out,  with  that  object  in  view,  to  a 
foreign  land,  instead  of  working  within  the  limits 
of  her  own  sphere.  She  did  not  realize  that  she 
had  abandoned  social  life,  with  its  attractions,  its 
enjoyments,  its  advantages,  and  was  devoting  her 
best  years  and   best   abilities   to  the   good  of  those 


154  BOND    AND    FREE. 

who  came  under  her  influence  ;  doing  the  Great 
Master's  work  in  the  way  in  which  he  had  guided 
her.  Often  would  sjie  mentally  revert  to  the  time 
when  the  dark  cloud  hung  heav}-  over  her  own 
young  life,  when  she  had  thought  God  had  for- 
gotten her,  and  realize  that  the  discipline  she  had 
experienced  was  of  inestimable  value. 

Madison's  elucidation  of  Miss  Templeton's  scrip- 
tural lessons  encouraged  him  to  conceive  an  idea 
that  he  could  preach,  an  impression  strengthened 
by  the  flattering  solicitations  of  his  fellows,  who 
looked  up  to  him  as  their  superior,  from  the  fact 
of  his  having  been  abroad  and  from  his  ability  to 
tell  wonderful  stories  of  another  people,  coupled 
with  his  accomplishments  of  reading  and  writing. 

With  the  permission  of  his  mistress  he  made  the 
attempt,  announced  a  text,  and  addressed  an  ap- 
preciative audience. 

"  'Where  de  hen  scratch,    dar  be   de  bug  also.' 

"  You  all's  seed  a  hen,  a  man}'  a  time  I  reckon, 
gwine  'long,  wid  'er  chickens  all  'round,  a  cluckin, 
and  a  turnin'  fus'  one  e3'e,  den  tudder,  down  to  de 
groun',  huntin'  fur  a  bug.  You  all's  seed  her  a 
scratchin'  an'  a  diggin',  wid  'er  sharp  claws,  makin' 
de  dus'  fly,  turnin'  fus'  one  eye,  den  tudder  ;  for, 
'  Whar  de  hen  scratch,  dar  be  de  bug  also.' 

"  She  spreads  'er  fedders  till  she  is  as  big  as  a 
turkey,  an'  keeps  on  a  callin'  de  chickens,  an' 
keeps  on  a  scratchin'  fur  ter  git  mo'  bugs  'nough 
fur  'er  big  family  ;  dat  shows  as  how  we  all  has  ter 
pussewere  till  we  gits  our  work  done  like  de  mis- 
sus tells  us  fur  to  do.     An'  w'en  de  task's  done,  we 


OLD    VIRGINIA.  155 

low  ter  hab  our  own  time  fur  ter  scratch  tur  Sun- 
day close,  an'  backy  money.  '  Whar  de  hen 
scratches,  dar  be  de  bug  also.'  " 

''What  kin'  o'  bug  does  de  hen  scratch  fur? 
My  frens,  dat  is  a  very  'portant  topic  to  my 
'scourse?  A  wery  'portant  quesshun  fur  ter  know 
how  to  answer.  Do  you  reckon  she's  gwine  scratch 
fur  de  pisen  bug,  fur  de  harr}'  caterpillar,  or  fur 
de  fousan'-leg  worm?  I  jes  tell  you  she  don't  do 
no  such  business.  'F  she  comes  'cross  de  pisen 
bug,  she  kicks  it  clean  out  de  road  :  'f  she  sees  a 
harrv  caterpillar  crawlin'  on  de  leaf  or  de  groun', 
she  jes  walks  'long,  an'  says  cluck,  cluck,  an' 
don't  let  on  like  she  sees  it :  'f  she  scratches 
de  fousan'-leg  worm  out  de  dirt,  she  lets  it  stay 
right  dar  whar  it  lit.  'F  she  picks  up  one  o'  dem 
warmints  fur  ax'dent,  she'll  drap  it  right  quick — 
clar  outen  dar,  an"  go  to  some  place  whar  dar  'aint 
no  pisen  bug,  nor  harry  caterpillar,  nor  fousan'- 
leg  worm. 

"Now,  mv  frien's,  w'at  all's  you  gwine  Tarn 
from  dis  persition  ob  de  hen?  Does  3'ou  all  do  dat 
awav?  Does  vou  all  scratch  fur  de  good,  an'  'spise 
de  bad?  Does  vou  all  pass  'em  right  b}^  an"  don't 
let  on  like  vou  see  "em?  '  Whar  de  hen  scratch, 
dar  be  de  bug,  also." 

"  The  next  thing  what  I  want  to  call  your  obser- 
wation  to,  is  dat  de  hen,  w'en  she"s  let  out  fur  ter 
scratch,  in  de  mornin',  don't  stop  ;  she  jes  keeps 
on  till  she  gits  done.  Does  you  all  do  dat  away? 
Or  does  you  slip  off,  an'  w'en  Miss  'Titia  'aint  a 
lookin',  set  down  under  de  shade,  w'en  you  orter 


156  BOND    AND    FREE. 

be  scratchin'  in  de  dirt,  -an'  a  plantin'  de  corn? 
'  Whar  de  hen  scratch,  dar  be  de  bug,  also.' 

"  Dar's  nudder  idy  in  de  tex  wuf  speakin'  'bout. 
Whar  at  do  de  hen  scratch?  Is  you  eber  seed  'er 
scratchin'  on  de  board,  or  any  place  'cept  in  de 
ground?  I  don't  reckon  3^ou  ever  did.  Dat's  de 
place  whar  you  all's  got  scratch  at,  in  de  groun', 
on  dis  plantation — de  main  thing  is  de  cultivation 
ob  de  groun'.  Dat  has  be  made  sof  fur  young 
plants  to  grow  in.  De  weeds  haf  be  clar'd  out 
'fore  we  can  make  a  crap  ;  all  dis  yere  work  takes 
a  heap  o'  scratchin',  fur  'Whar  de  hen  scratch, 
dar  be  de  bug,  also.' 

••'  Does  you  all  dis'member  de  great  fousan'-leg 
worm  de  good  book  tells  'bout ;  he  swaded  Miss 
Eve  fur  ter  dis'bey  orders,  an'  eat  de  apple?  Dat 
same  fousin'-leg  worm  sneaks  'roun'  now-a-days, 
an'  if  you  don't  drive  'im  clean  off,  an'  git  shet  of 
'im,  he'll  'swade  you  to  dis'bey  orders.  "  Whar  de 
hen  scratch,  dar  be  de  bug,  also.' 

"  De  good  Lord  wrote  dis  book  hisself,  by  de 
ban'  o'  holy  men,  an'  'f^'ou  don't  'bey  orders  wrote 
down  dar,  you'll  be  frowed  into  de  bottomless  pit 
full  o'  caterpillars  an'  fousan'  leg  worm,  an'  if  you 
scratch  eber  so  long,  3'ou'll  neber  scratch  out,  an 
dar'll  be  weepin'  an'  wailin'  an' nashun'  ob  de  teef; 
for,  '  Whar  de  hen  scratch,  dar  be  de  bug  also.' " 


CHAPTER  XVIIL 


THE    FIRE 


In  February,  1861,  the  alarm  of  war  resounded 
through  the  land,  and  the  people  who  had  so  long 
reposed  in  peace,  sharpened  their  battle  axes,  oiled 
their  muskets,  and  unsheathed  their  swords. 

In  every  city  and  hamlet  was  heard  the  tattoo 
beating  "  to  arms  ;"'  and  the  names  of  strong- 
hearted  men  were  enrolled  to  do  their  countr}-  ser- 
vice. Husbands  shouldered  their  knapsacks  and 
bade  adieu  to  cherished  wives  and  children.  Fath- 
ers, brothers,  and  sons  joined  the  ranks,  and 
marched  away  from  the  endearments  of  home, 
leaving  anxious  hearts  to  learn  the  hard  lesson  of 
watching  and  laboring. 

O,  the  dreadful  battle  cry,  calling  men  to  weary 
marches,  under  the  scorching  rays  of  a  summer 
sun,  or  in  the  icy  blasts  of  winter,  in  Jfair  weather 
or  in  foul  ;  calling  men  to  face  hunger,  thirst,  pesti- 
lence, or  death!  Let  the  high  powers  of  a  nation 
weigh  well  the  cause  before  calling  to  battle,  and 
let  all  Christians  pray  for  the  time  when  human 
warfare  shall  be  ranked  amono-  the  customs  of  un- 
enlightened  races  ! 

In  one  spot,  removed   from  the  public  eye,  was 


150  BOND    AND    FREE. 

peace.  A  single  woman,  alone  with  her  slaves, 
lived  in  contentment ;  away  from  newspapers  :  away 
from  gossip  and  rumors  of  war,  in  a  little  world  of 
her  own.  Her  battle  was  against  evil,  her  warfare 
against  the  influence  of  the  serpent  whose  trail  is 
found  wherever  has  trodden  the  foot  of  man. 

After  the  close  of  the  law  suit,  which  re-instated 
Miss  Templeton  at  Temple  Vale,  Mr.  Hunt  Tem- 
pleton  found  himself  with   ver}^  limited  resources. 

Collecting  the  remnants  of  means  at  command, 
he  opened  a  store  at  the  seat  of  an  adjoining  county 
for  the  sale  of  such  staple  articles  as  the  citizens 
demanded.  The  day  was  devoted  to  business, 
while  at  night  young  men,  and  some  not  so  3^oung, 
made  there  a  rendezvous  for  social  gatherings. 
Their  pastimes  were  card  playing,  relating  anec- 
dotes not  fitted  for  the  home  circle,  discussions 
upon  the  demerits  of  individuals  not  in  their  set, 
introducing;  some  ''smart  little  darkev "  or  half- 
witted  adult,  whether  white  or  black,  who  could  be 
hired,  or  plied  with  whisky,  to  make  amusement 
in  ''  playing  the  fool  "  for  the  company  ;  and  Tom, 
as  he  was  familiarly  called,  had  a  particular  fancy 
for  holding  ''sham  pra'r  meetin's."  Upon  the 
introduction  of  the  latter  into  the  programme, 
Tom  would  "line  "  a  hymn,  partly  in  his  own  ren- 
dering to  pervert  the  sense,  and  sing,  joined  by 
others,  in  discordant  tones,  imitating  some  village 
"brother  or  sister,"  whose  imperfections  exagger- 
ated, would  excite  the  ridicule  of  jesters.  In  like 
manner,  an  acknowledged  mimic  would  be  invited 
to  pray,  and  the  tremulous,  agitated  voice  of  good 


THE    FIRE.  159 

old  Sister  Gray  was  reproduced,  or  the  heavy  bass 
of  Father  Mason,  in  his  customary  negro  dialect, 
but  with  the  interlarding  of  low  jests  and  profane 
expressions  that  called  forth  applause  from  the  de- 
based listeners. 

During  the  summer  they  organized  a  band  for 
guerilla  warfare,  and  under  the  pretext  of  acting 
according  to  their  principles,  succeeded  in  accom- 
plishing a  great  amount  of  mischief.  Horses  and 
cattle  disappeared  from  their  pastures,  granaries 
were  robbed,  and  incendiarism  was  frequent. 

The  plantation  lying  adjacent  to  Temple  Vale 
was  owned  by  Mr.  Grovener,  a  wealthy  gentle- 
man, whose  family  consisted  of  a  wife  and  one 
daughter,  about  the  age  of  Miss  Templeton.  Mr. 
Grovener  was  proud  of  his  ancestr}^  and  between 
his  family  and  that  at  Temple  Vale  there  had  never 
been  social  intercourse.  He  held  an  office  which 
required  his  absence  from  home  a  part  of  the  3'ear, 
and  after  the  marriage  of  his  daughter,  she  re- 
mained with  her  mother,  who  was  an  invalid.  Col. 
Lemar,  his  son-in-law,  was  engaged  in  military 
service,  and  absent  at  this  time. 

One  morning,  as  the  hands  at  Temple  Vale  w^ere 
about  to  begin  their  daily  tasks,  Madison,  who  had 
been  looking  in  a  northerly  direction,  called  his 
mistress'  attention  to  a  smoke  visible. 

"Please,  Miss  Letitia,  get  out  your  spy-glass 
and  see  what  all  dat  smoke  is."  Although  the 
buildings  on  Mr.  Grovener's  place  were  more 
than  a  mile  distant,  low  ground  intervening  ena- 
bled them  to  be  seen. 


l6o  BOND    AND    FREE. 

'*  Looks  to  me  like  its  mighty  close  up  to  de 
house,  like  it  might  do  some  damage." 

Procuring  a  field-glass,  Miss  Templeton  raised 
it,  and  looking  through  it,  said,  "  I  think  so  ;  but 
the  trees  at  the  end  of  the  grove  cut  off  the  view. 
I  will  go  up  and  look  from  the  tower." 

Ascending  where  a  fine  view  was  commanded 
of  the  surrounding  countr3%  and  where  the  trees 
referred  to  were  out  of  the  line  of  sight,  she  looked 
again. 

"There  is  a  building  burning,  certainl}^,  in  rear 
of  the  house.  It  must  be  the  kitchen.  Flames  and 
smoke  are  rising  from  the  whole  roof.  I  can  see 
persons  running  about  the  yard,  but  they  seem  to 
be  doing  nothing  to  stop  the  fire  from  spreading. 
Look,  Madison.  Do  3'ou  see  plain?  A  little 
higher." 

"Yes,  miss;  I  sees  it;  dat's  de  kitchen,  sure; 
de  smoke  'ouse  plum  burned  down.  Wh}^  don't 
dey  t'ar  down  dat  fence  'fore  de  lire  goes  to  de  big 
house?     Dey  all  runs  'bout  like  dey  got  no  sense." 

"  Go  down,  Madison  —  go  directl}^ ;  call  all  the 
best  hands  and  go  right  over  to  help  ;  Mr.  Grove- 
ner  and  Col.  Lemar  are  not  at  home." 

The  bell  was  rung  and  a  half  dozen  men  dele- 
gated to  go  with  Madison  and  render  what  aid  was 
possible.  Fleetfoot  was  saddled,  and  before  the 
field  of  action  was  reached  Miss  Templeton  joined 
her  servants. 

Giving  her  horse  into  the  keeping  of  a  boy,  she 
entered  the  premises  of  her  neighbor  for  the  first 
time. 


THE    FIRE.  l6l 

"Terence,  there  must  be  horses  in  that  stable, 
I  hear  them  stamping  ;  get  some  of  the  boys  to 
lead  them  out  and  tie  them  at  a  little  distance  away. 
Madison,  let  down  the  bars  3^onder,  so  that  the 
mules  can  get  out  of  that  lot.'' 

Terence  opened  the  stable  door  and,  calling  as- 
sistance, four  fine  animals  were  led  out  and  tied 
where  they  would  be  safe.  The  mules  had  been 
enclosed  in  a  small  lot  adjoining  the  stable,  and 
were  already  much  frightened  at  seeing  the  fire. 
When  liberated  from  confinement  they  went  ca- 
reering about  the  yard,  creating  consternation 
amongst  the  servants'  children. 

"  Madison,  take  down  a  panel  of  that  fence  and 
let  the  mules  into  the  field.  Harry,  do  you  see  the 
fire  running  along  the  fence  toward  the  quarters? 
Get  some  of  the  boys  to  help,  and  pull  it  down, 
beat  out  the  fire  all  around,  and  keep  it  out  of  the 
field." 

This  order  was  more  easily  given  than  executed. 
A  thick  growth  of  brush  and  rank  weeds,  along 
both  sides  of  the  fence,  spread  the  fire  and  ren- 
dered it  exceedingly  difficult  to  be  subdued  with- 
out the  aid  of  water.  By  removing  a  part  of  the 
fence,  and  all  combustibles  near  the  negro  quar- 
ters, the  cabins  were  saved  from  threatened  de- 
struction. 

Mr.  Grovener's  strong  force  needed  only  to  know 
what  to  do,  and  they  were  ready  to  do  it.  Their 
constant  dependence  upon  the  command  of  a  mas- 
ter prevented  them  from  exercising  anv  judgment  ; 

like  children,  they  expected  to  be  directed.     When 
11 


l62  BOND    AND    FREE. 

they  heard  the  voice  of  authority,  although  it  was 
that  of  a  woman,  they  rallied,  and  following  the  ex- 
ample of  her  men,  obe^-ed  orders. 

Coming  upon  the  scene  from  the  rear,  and 
giving  her  attention  to  what  came  first,  she  waited 
till  she  saw  that  the  work  was  being  effectualh' 
done,  and  proceeded  toward  the  house.  Fire  had 
been  communicated  to  it  from  the  kitchen,  and  the 
roof  was  blazing.  Looking  within,  all  was  confu- 
sion ;  ]^'s.  Grovener,  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Lemar, 
and  the  children  were  helpless  from  fear  and  ex- 
citement. The  former  was  an  invalid  and  lay  upon 
the  bed,  while  the  others  gathered  around,  crying 
and  screaming,  either  ignorant  that  the  house  had 
alreadv  taken  fire,  or  too  much  frightened  to  remove 
themselves  from  danger. 

Calling  two  able-bodied  men.  Miss  Templeton 
commanded  them  to  take  the  mattress  with  the  sick 
lady  upon  it,  and  convey  her  to  a  place  of  safet}^ 
beneath  a  shad}'  tree.  Then  taking  the  3'oungest 
child  in  her  arms  and  leading  the  other  to  the  same 
place,  she  quieted  their  fears  ;  and,  assuring  both 
ladies  that  she  would  trv  to  save  the  furniture,  re- 
turned to  do  so.  Every  movable  article  was  taken 
from  the  lower  floor,  but  the  fire  had  made  such 
progress  from  the  roof  that  nothing  in  the  story 
above  could  be  saved.  Under  her  direction,  a  cabin 
was  vacated  and  the  goods  were  stored  in  it. 
While  this  was  being  done,  she  returned  to  the 
houseless  famil}-  and  inquired  of  them  where  the 
overseer  was. 

"  He  left  early  this  morning,''  said  Mrs.  Lemar, 


THE    FIRE.  163 

^'  and  probably  will  not  return  until  late  to-night." 

"Then,"  said  Miss  Templeton,  "if3'ou  will  ac- 
cept my  hospitalit}',  allow  me  to  order  the  mules  to 
be  geared  to  the  wagon  :  the  bed  can  be  placed  in 
it,  and  you  can  be  made  comfortable  in  m}^  house." 

Mrs.  Grovener  was  quite  exhausted  and  offered 
no  objection.  Mrs.  Lamar  thought  they  might  be 
able  to  find  rooms  in  the  village,  but  it  was  several 
miles  distant ;  so,  realizing  their  forlorn  condition, 
she  yielded  with  but  ver}-  little  hesitation. 

Miss  Templeton  arranged  them  as  comfortably 
as  possible  in  the  wagon,  and  saw  them  start  off  for 
the  road  ;  then  retracing  her  steps  to  where  Fleet- 
foot  was  patiently  waiting  under  a  tree,  she  sprang 
into  the  saddle  and  crossed  the  fields  back  to  her 
home.  By  the  time  the  w^agon  drove  up  to  the 
house,  a  suite  of  rooms  was  ready  for  her  guests. 
She  assisted  them  in  alighting  from  the  wagon  and 
sent  in  cake  and  wine  for  refreshment. 

In  a  da}'  or  two  Mrs.  Grovener  rallied  from  the 
effects  of  fright  and  the  fatigue  of  removal,  but 
Mrs.  Lemar  became  seriously  ill.     The  physician 

was   called   from   G ,    and  within    a    week   an 

infant's  cr}^  led  all  to  hope  that  the  worst  was  over. 

A  few  days  after  the  fire,  a  band  of  desperadoes 
met  at  the  store-house  of  "  Hunt  Templeton  and 
Sons." 

Jerry  rose,  much  under  the  influence  of  liquor, 
and  shaking  his  fist  in  the  face  of  a  dark-browed, 
evil-looking  man,  exclaimed  : 

"  What  in did  you  light  up  Grovener's  house 


164  BOND    AND    FREE. 

for?  Didn't  I  tell  you,  plain  enough  which  'twas? 
An'  you  stopped  two  mile  by  the  road  this  side, 
an'  cleaned  out  the  best  customer  we  have." 

"  Dog  on  if  I  keer,"  answered  the  other  dog- 
ishly,  "  Thought  I'd  gone  far  as  you  said.  Light 
up  'tother  yourself  then.  You  can't  hire  me  no 
more  to  pay  your  spites  and  burn  the  roofs  off 
women's  heads,  whar'  there  ain't  no  man  round  ; 
'pon  honor  I  won't,  I'll  swar  to  it." 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


EXIGENCIES. 


Mr.  Grovenor  and  Col.  Lemar  returned  home 
as  soon  as  they  knew  of  the  disaster,  but  could 
not  remain  long  away  from  their  duties.  They 
were  embarrassed  in  being  obliged  to  leave  their 
little  family  at  Temple  Vale,  but  no  alternative 
presented  itself;  so,  seeing  that  ever^'thing  was 
done  which  could  contribute  to  their  comfort,  they 
left,  hoping  that  a  termination  of  the  war  would, 
in  a  few  months,  enable  them  to  rebuild,  and  re- 
turn to  their  own  place. 

If  well  concerted  plans  fail  to  be  accomplished, 
those  based  upon  hopes  alone  may  vanish  in  disap- 
pointment. Mrs.  Lemai"  lingered  a  few  weeks  and 
was  laid  to  rest,  leaving  her  mother  and  three  little 
children  in  care  of  Miss  Templeton. 

Uncle  Dan  was  the  shoemaker.  As  soon  as  the 
pressure  of  field  work  was  over,  he  began  to  make 
preparations  to  provide  a  stock  of  shoes  for  the 
ensuing  winter. 

Necessary  materials  were  procured  in  Norfolk  ; 
and,  if  the  products  of  his  mechanism  were  not  so 


1 66  BOND    AND    FREE. 

well  linished  as  imported  articles,  the\^  had  one 
qualification,  which  recommended  them  in  the  esti- 
mation of  the  master,  if  not  in  that  of  the  wearer — 
they  were  serviceable. 

When  Miss  Letitia  examined  his  work  critically, 
he  would  say,  "Strong,  miss;  good  and  strong; 
dey'll  out  war  two  par  boughten  shoes.  No  use 
spen'  time,  shine  off  de  sole ;  dat'l  all  huft'  off 
right  away." 

Dan  presented  himself  in  answer  to  a  call  from 
his  mistress  for  consultation  as  to  the  amount  of 
stock  on  hand.  "  I  reckon  dar's  'hcient  to  do, 
miss  ;  dar's  a  few  more  hide  nor  we  had  las'  year, 
an'  de  chillun  comin'  up,  so  we'll  have  to  make  a 
few  more  shoes. 

"  About  enough  for  our  own  hands.  Uncle  Dan," 
said  Miss  Letitia,  looking  over  what  were  made, 
and  the  material,  "  but  none  to  spare.  Mr.  Grigg 
was  here  this  morning,  and  wants  you  to  make  a 
lot  for  his  hands  also.  He  is  so  well  pleased  with 
what  you  made  last  winter  that  he  wants  3^ou  to 
furnish  a  full  supph',  since  none  are  being  shipped 
from  the  North.  If  we  can  get  the  leather,  one  of 
the  boys  can  help,  and  I  think  we  can  accommo- 
date him." 

"  I  reckon  so.  Miss." 

"And  I  will  see  that  you  have  a  nice  Sunday 
coat." 

"  Thank  you,  miss." 

One  secret  of  Miss  Templeton's  success  in  ob- 
taining what  might   have   been   considered   extra 


EXIGENCIES.  167 

service  was,  that   she   invariably  made  compensa- 
tion in  a  way  that  was  satisfactory. 

"  And  I  have  been  thinking,  Uncle  Dan,  that,  if 
the  war  continues,  there  may  be  difficulty  in  get- 
ting leather.  Economise  in  cutting  as  much  as 
you  can,  and  try  the  experiment  of  curing  hides. 
I  have  seen  it  done  near  the  Savannah  river.  You 
may,  at  least,  make  it  useful  for  many  purposes. 
It  makes  strong  lead  lines,  and  likely  you  will  find 
other  uses  for  it,  and  save  leather." 

"  Yes,  miss  ;  -how  is  it?  " 

"  When  there  are  fresh  hides,  secure  them  in  the 
branch  where  the  water  is  shallow  ;  every  three  or 
four  days  take  them  out,  scrape  the  inside  thorough- 
ly and  replace  them.  After  three  weeks  they  may 
be  well  salted  and  nailed  upon  the  side  of  a  cabin. 
I  have  seen  them  cured  in  this  way,  and  used  for 
many  purposes  instead  of  tanned  leather." 

"  Jes  so,  miss  ;  dar's  a  couple  now  'hind  de  meat 
house." 

"  Tell  Madison  to  saddle  Fleetfoot,  and  I  will  go 
with  you  down  to  the  branch.  Take  the  hides, 
and  we  will  tr\r  the  experiment." 

''Yes,  miss. ^" 

When  another  year  had  passed,  there  seemed 
less  prospect  of  a  cessation  of  hostilities  than  hith- 
erto. 

There  was  considerable  inconvenience  felt  from 
the  scarcity  of  imported  goods,  and  many  items  of 
luxury  were  necessarily  omitted  from  both  the  table 
and  toilet.     In  village  stores  the  shelves  were  fast 


1 68  BOND    AND    FREE. 

becoming  empty.  Reports  from  Norfolk  were  not 
encouraging.  The  supply  was  meagre,  prices 
were  enormous,  and  the  risk  of  shipping  was  pre- 
carious. To  provide  the  usual  allowance  of  win- 
ter clothing  was  out  of  the  question,  but  there  must 
be  a  way  to  satisf}^  positive  demands. 

All  garments  were  brought  into  the  sewing  room 
and  carefully  repaired  under  Miss  Templeton's  su- 
pervision. Ever}"  3"ard  of  goods  for  servants'  wear 
was  made  up,  and  still  there  was  a  lack  in  quan- 
tit3\  The  3'oung  mistress  puzzled  herself  over  the 
problem  of  wa3's  and  means,  when  her  seamstress 
offered  a  key  to  its  solution. 

"  What's  the  matter  we  can't  weave  like  we  used 
to?  There's  the  loom  3'et,  an'  I  don't  reckon 
Mammy's  done  forgot  how." 

*' A  good  thought,  Maria;  we  will  go  and  see." 

Calling  at  Mamm3"'s  door,  the  old  negress  was 
invited  to  join  the  investigating  committee. 

Examining  the  loom  through  the  accumulation 
of  dust  for  a  decade,  Mamm3'  went  back  into  the 
past.  "  Lord,  honev,  man3'  a  da3^'s  weavin'  I  done 
for  de  missus,  a  fro  win'  de  shuttle  dis  away,  an' 
dat  awa3" ;  man3"  a  stripe  cotton  coat  I's  wove  on 
dis  3"er.  Is  it  good  now,  does  3'ou  sa3"?  Lord, 
honey,  jis  as  good's  de  da3"  ole  Uncle  Si  tote  it  up 
from  de  river,  an'  set  it  3^er  —  right  3^er,  in  diswer3^ 
place.  Just  clar  out  all  dis  truck,  an'  clean  it  up, 
an'  it'll  go  like  it  usen  to." 

"Do  3"ou  suppose  3'ou  have  forgotten  how  to 
weave?  "  inquired  Miss  Templeton. 


EXIGENCIES.  169 

"  Jes'  you  git  a  bale  o'  cotton,  an'  set  some  dem 
lazy  niggers  a  spinning  an'  see  'f  Ise  done  forgot." 

After  some  difficult}',  the  bale  of  cotton  was  ob- 
tained, spinning  wheels  were  brought  into  use,  and 
Mammv  proved  that  she  had  not  forgotten  her  for- 
mer employment.  Under  her  tuition,  a  younger 
woman  was  trained,  and  aided  in  producing  a  ser- 
viceable fabric,  in  quantities  to  meet  the  demand. 

During  the  administration  of  Letitia's  mother,  cot- 
ton had  been  raised  on  the  plantation  sufficient  for 
wearing  apparel,  and  material  for  that  purpose 
woven  at  home  ;  but  for  the  past  few  3^ears  that 
branch  of  industry  had  fallen  into  disuse  ;  tobacco 
was  cultivated,  and  goods  for  servants  were  bought. 

Miss  Templeton,  under  the  circumstances,  con- 
cluded to  avoid  similar  embarrassment  the  coming 
year,  procured  seed,  and  made  her  calculations  to 
cultivate  cotton. 

Uncle  Dan's  experiments  in  curing  hides  were  so 
successful,  that,  when  other  resources  failed,  he 
could  make  use  of  his  own  stock. 

Miss  Templeton  was  sitting  before  a  fire  of  blaz- 
ing logs,  with  the  proclamation  of  the  President  for 
the  emancipation  of  slaves,  in  her  hand.  Mrs.  Gro- 
venor  was  reclining  in  an  easy  chair,  still  an  in- 
valid, watching  her  three  motherless  grandchildren 
building  cob  houses,  while  Miss  Templeton  read 
some  passages  to  her  guest. 

"  Dear  I  dear  !  how  dreadful  it  will  be,"  said  Mrs. 
Grovenor,  "  if  the  slaves  are  liberated  !  The  over- 
seer sa^'s  it  is  almost  impos'.sible  to  control  them, 
now  that  John  and  Susan  have  mn  awav.     He  does 


170  BOND    AND    FREE. 

not  dare  to  use  severe  measures,  lest  more  may  es- 
cape. They  are  such  a  lazy  set.  Only  think  of  it ; 
the  corn  not  all  in  yet.  If  they  are  all  freed,  they 
will  turn  upon  us,  and  we  shall  all  be  killed." 

"  Do  not  be  alarmed,  my  dear  Mrs.  Grovenor," 
said  Miss  Templeton,  observing  the  agitation  of 
that  lady.  "  I  hope  no  trouble  will  follow,  although 
I  admit  that,  if  the  measure  is  enforced,  it  will  rev- 
olutionize the  habits  of  a  vast  people,  and  will 
doubtless  serve  to  increase  the  bitterness  toward  the 
United  States  government,  and  prolong  the  con- 
troversy. But,  as  women,  we  can  take  no  part  in 
political  affairs  ;  and,  even  if  so  severe  an  over- 
throw is  permitted  to  take  place,  we  can  only  deal 
with  the  stern  reality,  and  make  the  best  of  it, 
whether  it  accords  with  our  own  habits  and  convic- 
tions, or  not.  Free  labor  is  emplo3'ed  in  so  large  a 
proportion  of  the  civilized  world,  that  there  is  rea- 
son to  believe  it  may  be  successful  here.  x\t  all 
events,  it  is  important  that  we  give  the  subject  at- 
tention, for,  if  this  proclamation  is  carried  into  ef- 
fect, it  is  certain  that  we  must  employ  free  labor. 
Our  soil  must  be  made  to  yield  its  crops,  we  must 
be  fed  and  clothed,  and  so  must  our  people." 

"  Dear  !  dear  !  was  there  ever  such  a  girl?  You 
are  a  perfect  enigma.  You  take  everything  just  as 
it  comes  ;  so  quiet  and  patient-like.  I  really  do  not 
think  it  would  put  you  out  if  the  world  were  to 
come  to  an  end." 

"Why  should  it?  "  said  Miss  Templeton,  smiling. 
"  If  we  are  doing  our  duty  from  day  to  day,  trust- 
ing to  our  heavenly  Father  for  guidance,  confident 


EXIGENCIES.  171 

that  He  will  work  all  things  together  for  good,  and 
pardon  our  shortcomings,  ought  we  not  to  rest  con- 
fidingly in  his  Providence?" 

''Yes,  yes;  the  judgment  day  may  not  be  so 
dreadful  after  all ;  not  nearly  so  bad  as  freeing  the 
blacks.  For,  if  they  are  all  at  liberty,  they  may 
become  desperate,  rise  against  the  whites,  and  kill 
all  of  us.  Dear !  dear  I  how  dreadful  I  Sarah, 
here  ;  put  these  children  to  bed ;  they  make  so 
much  noise  that  I  have  become  exceedingly  nerv- 
ous. Don't  let  the  baby  cry  to-night.  Stop, 
Sarah,  call  Martha  to  put  me  to  bed.  These  chil- 
dren have  been  so  noisy,  I  don't  expect  to  sleep  a 
wdnk  before  morning.  Look  at  you,  Martha  ;  you 
came  right  in  out  of  the  mud,  without  cleaning 
your  shoes.  Go  back  now;  clean  them  off,  and 
sweep  out  the  mud  you  have  tracked  in.  O,  dear ! 
O,  dear  I  these  negroes  will  kill  me  yet  I  " 

Miss  Templeton  rose  to  see  if  everything  was  in 
order  in  Mrs.  Grovener's  room.  Martha  wheeled 
in  her  mistress,  and  made  ready  .the  bed  upon 
w^hich  she  was  to  rest. 

"You've  done  that  same  thing  again;  folded 
the  quilt  and  put  it  in  the  chair,  when  I  have 
always  told  you  to  lay  it  upon  the  table.  Not 
crooked,  lay  it  square  and  spread  a  towel  over  it. 
When  do  you  think  I  shall  be  able  to  piece  another 
quilt?  You  do  try  my  patience  so  every  day.  I 
believe  you  do  it  just  to  annoy  me." 

Martha,  having  complied  with  the  request,  pro- 
ceeded to  undress  her  mistress  ;  a  task  not  easily 
accomplished,  since  it  involved  lifting  her  several 


172  BOND    AND    FREE. 

times  to  remove  day  clothing  and  adjust  a  night 
wrapper.  Then  she  must  be  raised  and  carefully 
placed  in  exact  position  in  the  bed. 

On  the  opposite  side  of  the  room  was  a  cot, 
where  Martha  slept,  ready  to  be  aroused  at  any 
time  to  attend  to  wants,  real  or  imaginary. 

The  girl  had  just  dropped  to  sleep,  when  her 
mistress  called,  "Martha,  Martha;  O!  Martha, 
awake,  are  you?  You  go  and  call  Sarah  and  tell 
her  not  to  let  the  bab}^  cry  in  the  night." 

The  commission  executed,  the  girl  returned,  and 
was  soon  asleep.  In  half  an  hour  the  wakeful 
lady  again  aroused  her  nurse. 

"  Martha  ;  Martha  ;  wake  up  here." 

It  was  a  minute  or  two  before  she  was  suffi- 
ciently aroused  to  answer,  "Yes  ma'am;  here 
I  am.'" 

"  How  stupid  and  sleepy  you  are.  I  was  a  think- 
ing over,  Martha,  when  all  the  blacks  get  free, 
will  you  go  and  leave  me,  so  that  I  shall  have  no 
one  to  attend  to  me?  " 

"Don't  know,  ma'am;  reckon,  if  I  should, 
you'd  get  a  better  nurse  nor  I  is." 

"  Yes,  yes  ;  maybe  I  might;  I  didn't  think  of 
that.     Go  to  bed,  Martha,  you  are  of  no  earthly 


The  house  was  quiet.  Miss  Templeton  went  to 
her  book-case,  selected  several  volumes  of  agri- 
cultural reports,  and  other  works  treating  upon  the 
same  subject.  She  spent  two  hours  in  reading, 
and  making  memoranda  of  large  farms,  in  differ- 


EXIGENCIES.  173 

ent  localities,  cultivated  by  free  labor  ;  the  same  of 
plantations  where  compulsor}^  slave  labor  was  em- 
ployed ;  carefull}^  estimating  expenses,  and  bal- 
ance of  profit. 

Her  opinion  upon  the  subject  was  not  expressed, 
but  she  put  ^way  the  books  with  her  usual  serene 
manner,  as  if  the  tenor  of  her  life  had  not  been  un- 
favorably disturbed. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

FREE    LABOR. 

When  the  emancipation  from  slaveiy  had  be- 
come an  established  fact,  Miss  Templeton  called 
her  people  to  council.  She  explained  to  them,  as 
far  as  necessar}^  the  change  that  had  been  made 
in  the  National  Constitution,  by  which  they  were 
rendered  free  —  no  longer  her  property,  subser- 
vient to  her  will,  but  free  to  go  when  the}'  wished, 
or  to  remain  with  her  as  hired  servants. 

"You  are  a  free  people,"  said  she,  "but  this 
plantation  still  belongs  to  me,  and  it  is  not  m}-  in- 
tention to  abandon  it.  God  did  not  design  that  we 
should  be  idle.  The  soil  will  not  yield  her  crops 
unless  we  prepare  the  ground,  sow  the  seed,  keep 
down  the  weeds,  and  gather  in  the  harvest.  All 
this  is  work  ;  I  must  have  hands  to  do  it.  You  will 
still  need,  as  much  as  hitherto,  cabins,  food,  and 
clothing.  To  procure  them  3'ou  must  work,  and 
«arn  the  means.  The  question  is  left  for  vour  de- 
cision. Will  you  work  for  me,  or  will  you  go  else- 
where, and  work  for  some  one  else  ?  " 

"For  3'ou,  Miss  'Titia  ;  we'll  work  for  you," 
Avas  responded  by  man}-  listeners.  "  We  wouldn't 
knew  whar  at  to  go." 


FREE    LABOR.  175 

"There  is  another  thing  3'ou  must  think  of.  I 
can  not  pay  you  money  for  ^^our  labor.  First,  I 
have  not  enough  on  hand.  If  I  had,  you  can  not 
count  money,  and  do  not  know  how  much  your 
necessities  will  cost ;  all  this  you  have  got  to  learn, 
and  you  are  not  ready  for  taking  such  a  stand.  I 
will  let  each  have  as  much  land  as  he  can  cul- 
tivate ;  I  will  furnish  the  seed  and  the  mules,  and 
you  will  return  to  me  a  share  of  the  crops.  Will 
that  be  fair?" 

"Yes,  miss;  I  reckon  so,  miss,"  came  from 
many  voices. 

"  After  the  crops  are  harvested,  we  can  divide 
them,  or  sell  them,  and  afterwards  divide  the 
money.  With  my  money  I  shall  have  to  pay  taxes, 
keep  up  the  mules,  pay  the  expenses  of  keeping 
everything  in  order.  With  your  money  you  pay 
for  your  food  and  clothing." 

With  more  forethought  than  most  of  the  others, 
who  could  not,  at  a  glance,  fully  comprehend  the 
proposition  of  their  mistress,  Terence  inquired  : 

"  If  we  all's  got  to  buy  our  wittles,  an'  close,  an' 
ain't  gwine  git  no  money  till  we  grows  de  corn, 
w'at's  we  all  gwine  live  on  till  den?" 

"  Yes,  Terence  ;  that  is  an  important  question 
for  our  consideration.  Being  now  mid-winter,  and 
several  months  intervening  before  3^ou  can  expect 
to  receive  an}-  reward  for  your  labor,  some  way 
must  be  thought  of  to  provide  for  yourselves  and 
your  families  till  harvest.  We  have,  as  you  know, 
the  meat-houses  and  corn-cribs,  with  the  usual 
store  of  provisions.     We  have  our  cattle  and  hogs. 


176  BOND    AND    FREE. 

I  will  appoint  Jane,  as  she  has  learned  to  read  and 
write,  to  keep  an  account,  and  sell  to  you  what 
you  need  for  yourselves  and  your  families.  When 
you  get  the  money  for  your  crops,  you  must  pay 
me  what  you  shall  then  owe.  Try  to  be  saving, 
and  not  buy  anvthing  to  waste,  so  that  you  may 
have  money  left,  and  save  up  enough  to  buy  land 
and  mules  of  your  own.  Would  you  not  be  pleased 
to  do  so?  " 

"Yes,  Miss,"  said  Terence,   "  I'll  do  dat  sure." 
''  So  will  I  ;  so  will  I,"  chimed  in  others. 
Old  Mamm}'  and  her  aged  husband.  Uncle  Si,  or 
"  Daddy,"   as  he  was  familiarly  called  b}'  his  nu- 
merous children  and  grandchildren,  had  remained 
silent  spectators  during  the  council. 

With  choking  voice,  and  nervouslv  twisting  her 
hands  under  her  spotless  apron,  Mammy  asked  : 
"  Miss  'Titia,  is  Uncle  Si  an'  me  free,  too?" 
"  Yes,  Mammy  ;  you  and  Uncle  Si  are  both  free." 
''  De  Lord  help  us  I"  exclaimed  Mammy. 
"  De  Lord  help  us  !"  echoed  Uncle  Si,  as  the  tears 
coursed  down  his  furrowed  cheeks,  and  his   head 
shook  disapprovingly.      "Please,   Miss    'Titia,  we 
don't  want  no  free  papers,  we  don't." 

Bent  with  infirmities,  he  leaned  upon  a  stout 
staft^,  gnarled  like  himself,  and  continued  :  "Your 
fader  bought  me,  de  fust  boy  he  ever  owned,  and 
Mammy,  yere,  afore  he  bought  'is  own  wife,  your 
mudder  ;  an'  w^'en  he  got  dis  plantation,  wal'  Ian', 
Si  helped  to  clar  up,  an'  done  de  fust  plowin'  on 
many  an  acre.  We's  raised  a  big  famih'  o"  chil- 
lun,  smart  un's,  too  ;  an'  dey  all's  worked  on  de 


FREE    LABOR.  1 77 

place,  an'  dar  chillun\  right  smart  on  'em,  is  big 
enough  to  work,  too.  An'  now,  Miss  'Titia,  jis'  as 
we're  most  read}'  fur  ter  cross  ober  to  de  tudder 
shore,  3'ou  says  we's  free.  No,  no  :  we  don't  want 
no  free  papers.  Miss." 

"Don't blame  Miss  'Titia,  Daddy,"  said  Mammy  ; 
"  don't  blame  de  chile,  taint  her  as  done  it.  It's 
Maus  Linkum  ;  I  hearn  'em  tell  so.  No,  honey. 
Mamm}'  knowed  3'ou'd  neber  turned  her  off,  an' 
Uncle  Si,  wid  free  papers.  She's  her  fader's  own 
chile,  she  is." 

"  I  can  not  get  along  without  3'Ou,  Mammy,  or 
Uncle  Si,  either,"  said  Miss  Templeton.  "I  need 
you  to  look  after  the  chickens  ;  and,  if  3'ou  were  not 
able  to  do  any  service,  so  long  as  I  have  a  home,  it 
is  3' ours." 

"De  Lord  bress  de  chile,"  said  Uncle  Si. 

"  Didn't  I  tell  3'Ou  so?"  said  Mamm3%  turning  to 
her  husband.  "  Didn't  I  tell  3'Ou  Miss  'Titia's  a 
true-born  ladv?  She's  an  angel,  like  'er  ma  'fore 
'er!" 

To  divide  the  arable  land  without  a  chart,  was  no 
eas3'  task.  Without  a  surve3'or,  or  an3'  knowledge 
of  the  art  of  surve3'ing,  Miss  Templeton  saw  the  ne- 
cessit3' of  having  a  plan  of  the  plantation,  locating 
high  and  low  ground,  what  was  productive  and 
what  was  not  worth  cultivating,  with  patches  of 
woodland,  and  the  branch. 

Accompanied  b3^  Madison  and  Terence  to  assist 

in  pacing  distances,  Miss  Templeton,  mounted  on 

Fleetfoot,  da3'  after  da3',  with  a  pocket  compass, 

paper,  and  pencil,  made  rough  diagrams,  under- 
12 


178  ^BOND    AND    FREE. 

Stood  best  by  herself.  At  night,  when  the  house 
was  quiet,  she  worked  them  out  into  a  draft,  which 
answered  her  purpose  as  well  as  if  it  had  been  exe- 
cuted upon  strictly  mathematical  principles. 

Divisions  of  land  were  marked  off,  and  the  name 
of  each  f  amih'  or  individual  specihed  upon  their 
several  appropriations,  with  a  description  of  boun- 
dary marks. 

"As  to  you,  Madison,"  said  Miss  Templeton, 
"  I  do  not  propose  to  give  you  any  land.  You  are 
a  poor  planter.  Both  your  share  and  mine  would 
be  small,  if  left  to  your  cultivation.  Another  rea- 
son is,  there  is  other  work  for  you.  If  we  leave 
the  mules  in  the  care  of  the  hands,  they  will  run 
down.  You  can  look  after  them  as  well  as  Fleet- 
foot  and  the  carriage  horses.  And  I  think  you 
will  have  time  to  begin  a  school.  We  can  count 
tw^enty-three  children  old  enough  to  learn  to  read, 
and  too  young  to  work  in  the  held.  Two  or  three 
hours  a  day  will  suffice  at  the  beginning.  Teach 
them  to  count ;  teach  them  the  alphabet,  and  how 
to  read  and  spell.  If  it  will  suit  you,  you  shall 
have  my  share  of  Terence's  crop  for  pa^-ment." 

Early  in  March,  all  were  busily  employed  in 
putting  in  their  crops,  when  the  overseer  of  Oak 
Lawn  came  up  the  avenue  riding  upon  a  sorry 
mule ;  the  appearance  of  a  visitor  being  at  all 
times  a  rare  occurrence.  As  soon  as  the  dogs 
made  the  discovery,  they  growled  ominous  threats  ; 
but  when  a  hand  was  laid  upon  the  gate,  through 
which  an  entrance  to  the  yard  w^as  had,  their  dis- 
approval became  so  expressive,  that  it  required  the 


FREE    LABOR.  1 79 

presence  of  Madison  to  quiet  them,   and  conduct 
Mr.  Grigg  in  safety  to  the  house. 

Upon  being  invited  into  the  family  room,  he  met 
Miss  Templeton's  salutation  with  embarrassment ; 
accepted  a  proffered  chair  :  fitted  a  weather-beaten 
hat  over  his  knee,  and  began  with  apologizing  for 
his  mud-bespattered  boots  and  leggings. 

That  subject  being  concluded  bv  the  assurance 
of  the  hostess  that  no  harm  was  done,  by  way  of 
diverting  the  topic,  she  inquired  after  the  health  of 
his  family,  and  the  prospect  at  Oak  Lawn,  thus 
leading  the  way  unintentionally  to  what  was  upper- 
most in  Mr.  Grigg' s  mind ;  whereupon  he  pro- 
ceeded to  unburden  himself  without  further  preface. 

"It's  eight  3'ear  come  June,  since  I've  tuck  the 
oversight  o'  that  place  ;  twelve  hundred  acres  of 
as  good  land  as  anywhar  in  Wirginny ;  and  I 
know  I've  growed  as  good  crops  as  the  best,  an' 
turned  over  to  the  agent  as  hansome  a  pile  o' 
money  as  if  Mr.  Melburn  had  been  here  hisself. 
Everything  gwine  'long  neat,  till  this  dog  oned 
war  come  (beggin'  3^our  pardon,  miss),  riles  up 
the  niggers,  and  three  on' em  run  off,  jist  in  corn- 
shucken'  time — same  time  as  Mr.  Govener's  went ; 
there's  no  doubtin'  they  all  went  to  oncet." 

.  "  Unfortunate,  very  unfortunate,"  said  Miss  Tem- 
pleton,  sympathizingly. 

"  Wer}'  unfortunate,"  echoed  Mr.  Grigg,  bal- 
ancing his  chair  upon  its  rear  legs,  "  wery.  We 
didn't  have  no  trouble  with  the  rest  on  'em,  till  they 
all  got  so  oneasy  to  come  over  to  your  preachin's, 
whar  they  hearn  tell  o'  the  war,  an'  how  the  nig- 


l8o  BOND    AND    FREE. 

gers  were  bein'  freed.  An'  when  you  let  yourn  go 
free,  an'  hired  'em  j^ourself,  that  capped  the  sheaf, 
an'  our  han's  all  cl'ared  out." 

"Indeed,"  said  Miss  Templeton,  in  astonish- 
ment, "  I  am  very  sorry  to  hear  it.  Why  did  3^ou 
not  make  such  plans  as  would  ensure  you  of  their 
continuing  at  work?  " 

"  No,  sir  —  begging  your  pardon  —  no,  miss.  Do 
3^ou  reckon  I,  a  Wirginian,  purposes  to  hire  my 
own  niggers?  No,  miss;  I  don't  make  no  such 
plans." 

"Why  not?  I  have  ;  and  I  expect  to  get  along 
as  well  as  before,  if  not  better.  M}-  hands  have 
never  taken  hold  of  their  work  with  ihe  energy 
they  now  manifest." 

"  It  may  do  for  you,  bein',  as  you  ar',  jest  a  wo- 
man," said  Mr.  Grigg,  in  a  tone  not  complimen- 
tary to  the  executive  abilities  of  the  sex  ;  "but  it 
is  not  to  be  expected  that  a  man  will  give  in  so 
eas}^  to  this  'mancipation  question.  It's  more  the 
pity  that  a  woman  can  upset  the  calculations  o'  us 
planters,  an'  set  the  niggers  oneasv,  so  they  run 
off." 

"  I  am  very  sorry,  Mr.  Griggs,  if  I  have  caused 
an}'  injury  to  the  interests  of  my  neighbors  unwit- 
tingly, but  I  fail  to  see  it  in  that  light.  Facts  are 
stubborn ;  we  must  face  them  bravely,  whether 
man  or  woman  ;  it  is  not  becoming  to  shirk  them, 
or  try  to  shield  ourselves  from  the  inevitable.  I 
was,  at  first,  disposed  to  deplore  the  liberation  of 
our  slaves,  and  must  admit  venturing  the  system  I 
have  adopted  with  doubt  as  to  its  success.     Thus 


FREE    LABOR.  lb I 

far   it  works  well,  yet  I  shall  not  consider  the  ex- 
periment proved  till  after  the  crops  are  in." 

•'  But  then,  if  all  on  us  had  joined  in  keepin'  the 
niggers,  an'  not  let  'em  know  'bout  this  'mancipa- 
tion business,  I  reckon  we'd  been  able  to  hold  'em 
till  the  war  ends,  an'  come  out  game  ;  but  tellin' 
the  niggers  'head  o'  time,  slippin  oft'  your  own,  an' 
stirrin'  up  the  neighbors'  niggers,  is  a  bad  job. 
Beggin'  3'our  pardon  for  makin'  bold  to  say  so,  if 
you  hadn't  been  a  woman,  3^ou  reckon  thar'd  been 
some  trouble  'round  your  plantation." 

"I  have  been  prompted  by  my  convictions  of 
right,  and  have  considered  the  weight  of  responsi- 
bilit}^  in  holding  so  many  under  m}-  protection,  and 
it  is  my  intention  to  pursue  a  course  which  will 
render  them  capable  of  self-support.  All  kinds  of 
business,  as  well  as  farming,  are  carried  on  suc- 
cessfully b}^  free  labor,  and  we  can  follow  the  ex- 
ample of  others." 

^'  No,  miss  ;  I  ain't  gwine  to  do  nothing  o'  that 
sort  myself.  Fm  forty-five  years  old,  or  tharabout, 
an'  as  for  runnin'  the  place  wid  two  or  three  ole 
an'  cripple  niggers,  an'  a  heap  o'  chillun  to  feed,  I 
ain't  makin'  no  calculation  on.  I'm  gwine  to  take 
my  family  to  town,  an'  'list.  I  can  get  a  colonel's 
post,  an'  that'll  pa}^  better  'n  stayin'  here." 

"  Perhaps  you  might  find  hands  to  supply  the 
vacancies,  and  remain." 

"  If  George  Melburn,  or  an3'body  else,  thinks 
I'm  gwine  to  hunt  up  ban's,  they're  powerful  mis- 
taken. I'm  on  the  road  now  to  tell  the  agent  so, 
an'  I  thought  it  might  be  well  enough  to  stop   an' 


1 82  BOND    AND    FREE. 

tell  you,  bein*  a  neighbor,  how  matters  is.  Good 
day,  miss;  hopin'  you  luck  in  nigger  trainin'. 
Good  day,  miss." 

Miss  Templeton  had  not  revealed  the  fact  that 
several  of  the  Oak  Lawn  hands  had  applied  to  her 
for  employment,  which,  under  the  circumstances, 
had  been  declined.  The  interview  with  Mr.  Grigg 
had  presented  a  suggestion  to  her  mind,  which 
caused  Madison  to  be  sent  for,  with  an  order  to 
saddle  Fleetfoot,  and  prepare  himself  to  accom- 
pany her  to  the  village.  After  going  to  the  store, 
and  making  a  few  purchases  from  the  exhausted 
stock,  she  called  at  the  office  of  Mr.  Bruner,  who 
had  acted  as  agent  for  Mr.  Melburn,  since  the 
death  of  Esquire  Munser. 

Some  business  matters  had  been  settled,  when 
Mr.  Bruner  remarked  :  "Mr.  Grigg  has  resigned 
his  office  as  overseer  of  Oak  Lawn.  Bad  business 
just  at  this  time,  when  the  country-  is  in  such  a  tur- 
moil ;  bad  for  Mr.  Melburn,  who  relies  upon  the 
profits  of  his  farm  for  a  support.  The  servants 
had  been  in  a  state  of  rebellion  for  some  time,  and 
were  ripe  for  an  outbreak  a  year  ago.  Mr.  Grigg 
tells  me  they  were  a  troublesome  set." 

"Mr.  Bruner,"  said  Miss  Templeton  abruptly, 
"  are  you  willing  that  I  should  undertake  to  over- 
see Oak  Lawn?  You  understand  my  theor}',  and 
know  what  is  being  done  at  home.  I  know  most 
of  the  hands,  and  think  they  will  return,  as  they 
have  applied  to  me  for  work." 

"  Miss  Templeton,  you  have  a  great  deal  to  look 


FREE    LABOR. 


after  now  :  perhaps  vou  do  not  realize  how  greath' 
vour  time  and  energies  will  be  taxed." 

"  I  have  thought  it  all  over,  Mr.  Bruner,  and 
have  no  doubt  that  a  capable  man  would  do  better, 
and  bring  in  larger  returns  :  but,  at  present  you 
may  not  be  able  to  find  one,  and  I  do  not  want  a 
neighbor's  place  to  go  to  ruin  during  his  absence. 
The  season  will  not  admit  of  delay,  and,  if  you 
will  allow  me  to  do  what  lies  in  my  power,  till  you 
get  a  man,  in  case  I  can  not  manage  it,  I  will  get 
servants  to  work  it  on  shares,  as  on  mv  own  place." 

"  May  be  a  good  idea,  rather  than  have  no  one 
there.  It  will  do  no  harm  to  get  the  crops  planted  ; 
and,  when  it  is  too  much  for  you,  I  will  come  over 
and  help  you  out  till  we  do  find  some  one." 

Returning  home.  Miss  Templeton  explained  to 
Madison  the  proposition  to  superintend  planting  at 
Oak  Lawn,  and  told  him  that  she  would  expect 
him  to  be  her  chief  aid  in  recovering  the  labor  of 
such  of  the  servants  as  had  not  gone  too  far  distant. 

A  few  days  later,  a  conference  with  the  old 
couple  remaining,  revealed  the  fact  that  several 
were  still  lurking  in  the  neighborhood,  who  would 
be  glad  to  remain,  and  work  upon  the  conditions 
organized  at  Temple  Vale. 

The  charge  of  Oak  Lawn  fell,  to  a  certain  ex- 
tent, upon  Madison,  who  was  obliged  to  have  an 
assistant,  in  attending  to  the  mules  and  horses,  while 
the  school  was  adjourned  till  a  more  favorable  op- 
portunity should  be  offered. 

"  Where  do  vou  reckon  we  are  going  to  put  all 


184  BOND    AND    FREE. 

this  grain  at?"  inquired  ^Madison,  one  morning- 
during  the  ensuing  harvest,  as  his  mistress  was  tak- 
ing her  usual  ride  of  investigation  around  the  farm. 
*'The  old  cribs  are  chock  full  now,  and  here's 
David'slot,"  waving  his  arm  around,  where  David, 
assisted  by  his  wife  and  children,  was  busily  em- 
ployed in  stripping  down  the  shucks,  breaking  off 
the  yellow  ears,  and  throwing  them  into  the  wagon. 

"  Yes,  and  across  the  branch  you  have  not 
brought  the  corn  yet ;  but  continue  to  gather  in  all 
from  the  bottom  land  and  this  side,  this  week,  for 
Monday  we  must  commence  hauling  it  to  the  river.  I 
have  made  a  contract  with  Col.  Lemar,  for  the  army. 
He  will  take  all  we  can  spare,  and  ship  it  to  Norfolk. 
A  boat  will  be  at  the  landing,  Monday,  and  we 
must  be  ready  for  her.  Mr.  Grovener's  teams  will 
be  here  to  help.  Did  you  tinish  measuring  and 
storing  the  east  fields  yesterday?" 

"Yes,  Miss,"  replied  Madison,  taking  out  a  blank 
book,  and  opening  it,  he  showed  his  memoranda. 
'' Terence,  nine  hundred  and  sixty-eight;  George, 
twelve  hundred  and  twenty-seven  :  John,  six  hun- 
dred and  twentN'-tive.  These  are  what  we  finished 
yesterday.  Don't  reckon  we  can  get  it  all  in  this 
week." 

"Get  in  as  much  as  possible,"  said  Miss  Tem- 
pleton.  *'  The  Guerrillas  are  doing  a  good  deal  of 
mischief.  The  boat  will  send  up  a  guard  for  the 
wagons,  and  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost.  From  all 
the  fields  across  the  branch,  and  adjoining  Oak 
Lawn,  we  will  ship  afterwards,  direct  to  the  up- 
per landing,  with  what  comes  off  Mr.  Melburn's 


FREE    LABOR.  1 85 

land.     What  comes  in  last,  we  will  reserve  for  oiir 
own  use,  and  for  seed."   . 

After  giving  necessary  directions  to  the  hands  on 
her  own  place,  she  rode  on  to  Oak  Lawn,  accom- 
panied by  Madison,  to  take  note  of  the  grain  har- 
vested there,  the  measuring  of  which  had  been 
committed  to  Harry. 

Their  method  may  be  explained  in  a  few  words. 
As  each  producer's  crop  was  harvested  it  was  meas- 
ured, and  for  ever}^  bushel  a  kernel  of  grain  was 
dropped  into  his  gourd.  Every  man  knew  his  own 
gourd,  and  even  when  the  grain  was  delivered  in 
different  lots,  there  was  no  confusion.  The  gourds 
were  kept  locked  in  a  crib,  and,  wdien  the  quarter 
bell  was  struck  to  announce  the  arrival  of  Miss 
Templeton,  it  was  understood  as  a  summons  to  as- 
semble for  the  final  count. 

There  was  a  group  fit  for  an  artist.  The  fair, 
blue-eyed  girl,  seated  upon  a  black,  lithe-limbed 
horse  :  her  hair  had  not  forgotten  its  old  way  of 
straying  over  her  shoulders  in  golden  ringlets  ;  her 
face,  still  young,  strengthened  with  lines  of  thought 
and  decision,  was  more  beautiful  than  in  earh^  girl- 
hood ;  Madison,  note-book  in  hand,  leaning  across 
his  mule,  as  it  employed  the  leisure  in  nibbling  the 
grass  at  its  feet,  evidently  feeling  the  dignity  of  his 
office  in  acting  as  chief  aide  to  his  mistress  ;  the 
men,  with  their  gourds,  ranging  from  the  voung, 
muscular  athlete  to  old  Uncle  Jonas,  whose  bald 
head,  and  decrepit  frame,  accounted  for  the  small 
record  he  had  to  render  ;  all  these  formed  a  picture, 
and  a  contrast,  such  as  the  artist  may  conjure  up  ^ 


1 86  BOND    AND    FREE. 

from  imagination,  but  which  it  seldom  falls  to  his 
lot  to  see  in  actual  life. 

One  by  one  Madison  took  the  gourds,  counted 
the  contents,  and  noted  the  result. 

"Bring  me  yours,  Uncle  Jonas,  I  will  count 
them,"  said  Miss  Templeton,  adding  a  handful 
from  her  pocket ;  then  dropping  one  after  another 
into  her  lap,  she  announced  the  result;  and,  upon 
her  returning  the  gourd  to  Uncle  Jonas  he  received 
it  saying,  with  a  trembling  voice,  "Thank  3'ou, 
Miss  ;  if  w^e  all  had  a  missus  like  you  it'd  saved  a 
heap  o'  trouble." 

After  the  returns  came  in  from  the  harvest,  all 
the  hands  were  invited  to  join  in  "  a  real  old-time 
corn-shucking,"  such  as  had  not  occurred  upon 
either  place  for  man}'  a  year. 

A  moonlight  night  was  appointed,  and  the  jigs 
that  were  danced,  the  songs  that  were  sung,  the 
shouts  that  echoed  through  the  woods  till  morning 
dawned,  carried  all  back,  as  Mamm}-  said,  "to  de 
good  ole  time,  w'en  dar  warn't  no  free  niggers  no 
whar." 

"  Teared,"  said  Aunt  Sarah,  "like  we'd  neber 
get  shet  o'  all  de  corn  bread  we  baked,  nor  meat 
we  barbecued  ;  but  it's  all  done  gone,  sure." 


CHAPTER   XXI 


The  expense  account  had  involved  no  small 
amount  of  time  and  labor,  even  with  the  aid  of 
Jane  ;  for  the  provisions  at  Oak  Lawn  had  been 
soon  exhausted,  and  supplies  provided  from  Tem- 
ple Vale.  But  when  the  balance  was  reached,  Miss 
Templeton  went  to  G — ,  to  render  an  account  of  her 
stewardship,  and  to  adjust  the  payments  with  those 
w^iose  earnings  exceeded  their  expenses. 

Mr.  Bruner  presented  an  estimate  of  the  com- 
mission he  had  been  accustomed  to  pay  Mr.  Grigg. 

"My  commission,"  said  Miss  Templeton,  look- 
ing up  with  an  offended  expression,  "  I  do  not  wish 
you  to  make  any  such  estimate.  If  I  have  done  a 
favor  for  a  neighbor,  in  his  absence,  it  is  nothing. 
Another  year,  the  business  could  be  managed  more 
•successfully ;  but  please  remember  not  to  men- 
tion my  name  in  your  correspondence  with  Mr. 
Melburn.  If  you  are  satistied,  let  the  arrangement 
continue  another  3'ear  ;  if  not,  find  an  overseer." 

Mr.  Bruner  urged  that  such  was  not  a  proper 
way  of  transacting  business,  but  without  influencing 
her  determination. 


1 88  BOND    AND    FREE. 

•'You  are  a  lawyer,  and  look  at  it  your  way.  I 
am  a  law  to  myself,  and  look  at  it  in  my  own  way. 
There  is  no  wrong  ;  my  convictions  of  right  do  not 
allow  me  to  receive  Mr.  Melburn's  money  ;  please 
remit  it  to  him." 

It  was  not  the  lirst  time  Mr.  Bruner  had  been 
brought  in  antagonism  with  her  peculiar  ideas  in 
business  matters,  and  he  had  learned,  from  experi- 
ence, that  it  was  best  to  yield  the  point  without  fur- 
ther argument. 

A  chill  wind  swept  the  valley,  whisking  about  a 
few  scattering  snowflakes,  threatening  a  storm,  as 
the  carriage  stopped  for  the  footman  to  open  the 
gate  giving  admittance  to  the  avenue. 

Fatigued  with  a  long  ride,  Miss  Lintner  looked 
out  into  the  early  twilight,  attracted  b}'  the  an- 
nouncement of  Col.  Lemar,  that  their  journey  was 
nearly  ended. 

Dinah  called  Norah's  attention  to  the  fact,  "  Here 
we  is,  home  at  last,  honey.  Won't  de  chillun  be 
glad  to  see  us?  " 

Nora  flattened  her  nose  against  the  pane,  and 
answered  :     "  Dar  dey  all  comes,  Mamm}-." 

There  they  were,  all  along  the  avenue,  a  group 
of  woolly  heads  and  dark  skins,  running  and  shout- 
ing, peering  into  the  carriage  to  get  a  view  of  the 
occupants,  approaching  so  closely  as  scarce  to  es- 
cape danger  from  hoofs  and  wheels. 

''Dey  all's  in  dar.  Howdy  Mammy;  howdy 
Nora.     Hi  I  hi  I  ''  shouted  a  babel  of  voices. 

"  Out  de  road,  you  all,  niggers,"  called  Madison^ 


WOMAN  S    WORK.  1 89 

checking  the  pace  of  the  horses.  "  Out  de  road,  I 
say,  'fore  you  all  gets  crippled.  Jes  wait  tell  we 
gits  to  de  house,  'fore  you  cut  up  so.  You  all's 
gwine  craz3^" 

On  they  ran,  whooping,  shouting,  as  Madison 
said,  "  Like  dey  all's  run  wild,  an'  din  know  dar's 
white  folks  inside." 

When  the  travelers  alighted,  Miss  Templeton 
and  the  three  little  ones,  who  had  been  watching 
from  the  window,  took  possession  of  Miss  Lintner 
and  Col.  Lemar,  while  Dinah  and  Nora  were 
dragged  into  the  kitchen. 

Mrs.  Grovenor  was  not  forgotten,  and  received 
the  newcomers  with  grace  and  cordiality,  express- 
ing a  relief  to  her  monotonous  life  of  suffering. 

Miss  Lintner  could  scarce  realize  that  in  the  com- 
manding presence  of  the  hostess,  was  theLetitiaof 
a  few  years  previous. 

"  I  am  so  glad  that  you  were  able  to  meet  Col. 
Lemar  in  Washington.  I  was  in  doubt  whether 
you  would  receive  my  letter  in  time,  now  that  the 
mails  are  so  uncertain,  and  made  him  promise  to 
telegraph  you,  when  he  would  take  a  furlough 
home,  that  you  might  meet  him,  with  Aunt  Dinah 
and  Nora,  and  come  under  his  escort." 

"  Did  you  go  all  the  way  from  Connecticut  to 
Washington,  alone?"  inquired  Mrs.  Grovenor  of 
Miss  Lintner.  "  Is  it  possible?  Dear  me,  I  don't 
kno\v  what  would  have  been  thought,  if  a  lady  had 
taken  such  a  journey,  when  I  was  a  girl — and  this 
dreadful  war  time,  too  !  Did  you  see  anybody  get 
killed  or  hurt?     You  didn't,   I'm   so  glad.     Everv 


190  BOND    AND    FREE. 

time  Mr.  Grovenor  goes  to  Washington,  I  beg  him 
to  tell  Mr.  Lincoln,  please  not  to  have  an}^  more 
war,  it  is  so  dreadful.  But  the  dear  man  always 
did  have  his  own  wa}^,  and  always  will,  I  reckon." 

Supper  being  announced,  the  family  surrounded 
the  table. 

"  It  is  unnecessary  to  apologize  to  a  soldier,"  said 
Miss  Templeton,  handing  a  cup  of  steaming  bever- 
age, ''  for  the  variety  of  tea  offered  during  civil  war, 
even  if  it  is  served  without  sugar;  but  you,  Miss 
Lintner,  may  feel  it  a  deprivation  not  to  enjoy  the 
imported  article." 

"  Fortunately,"  said  Miss  Lintner,  sipping  from 
her  spoon,  ''  I  do  not  use  sugar  in  tea.  This  is  very 
agreeable  ;  may  I  ask,  if  it  is  the  product  of  your 
soil?" 

"It  is,"  replied  Miss  Templeton,  "we  have  a 
held  of  tea  plants  growing  spontaneously  ;  w  here  I 
do  not  think  grain  can  be  induced  to  thrive,  if  even 
the  soil  were  susceptible  of  being  prepared  for  it. 
Our  tea  plants  render  us  a  double  service,  and  sup- 
ply us,  also,  with  fruit,  which,  w4ien  dried,  is  a  pass- 
able substitute  for  raisins." 

"So  valuable  a  plant,"  suggested  Col.    Lemar, 
"I  hope,  is  understood  by  our  agricultural  depart- 
ment in  Washington.     Can  you   show  us  some   of 
the  fruit?" 

Being  instructed  by  his  mistress,  the  waiter 
brought  in  some  on  a  plate,  and  passed  it  around  for 
examination.  Mrs.  Grovenor  took  several  of  the 
berries  in  her  hand,  and  tasting   them,  exclaimed  : 


WOMAN  S    WORK.  I9I 

'•Dear  me,  dear  me,  they  are  nothing  but  dried 
huckleberries  I" 

"That  is  their  common  name,"  said  Miss  Tem- 
pleton,  smihng  ;  ''but  if  Col.  Lemar  wishes  for  a 
scientitic  report,  we  must  appeal  to  oNIiss  Lintner 
for  the  botanical  name." 

"Pardon  me,"  said  Miss  Lintner,  "if  I  inquire, 
how  you  came  in  possession  of  the  recipe  for  its 
preparation?" 

*'  In  my  embarrassment  at  not  being  able  to  pro- 
cure any  tea  at  the  store,"  replied  Miss  Temple- 
ton,  "  I  recollected  reading  in  the  history  of  New 
England  that  the  people,  suffering  a  similar  incon- 
venience during  the  Revolutionary  war,  used  leaves 
of  the  huckleberry  plant.  I  made  the  experiment, 
and  finding  it  palatable  had  a  large  quantity  col- 
lected and  dried  in  the  spring." 

"■Is  she  not  a  wonderful  girl.  Miss  Lintner?" 
inquired  Mrs.  Grovener.  "And  what  do  you 
think  the  dear  child  does?  She  keeps  the  little 
sugar  we  get  from  Washington  when  Mr.  Grove- 
ner or  Col.  Lemar  makes  us  a  visit  for  my  use. 
She  sets  this  little  sugar  bowl  by  m}^  plate,  and 
will  not  take  a  spoonful  herself.  You  could  never 
think  how  she  makes  coffee." 

"  Then  we  will  not  try,"  said  Col.  Lemar.  "  I 
shall  be  rejoiced  if  she  can  give  us  her  recipe,  pro- 
vided the  materials  are  available  in  camp,  for  I 
must  admit  having  a  weakness  for  coffee,  and 
sometimes  we  are  deprived  of  it." 

"  If  3'ou  can  procure  sweet  potatoes  and  field 
corn,"  said  MissTempleton,  "  you  may  try  it.   Here 


92 


BOND    AND    FREE. 


it  is  in  'The  Housewife,'  a  book  containing  valua- 
ble recipes  and  hints  to  a  housekeeper.  You  can 
copy  this  article,  among  the  '  substitutes  for  coffee." 
The  author  has  placed  it  here  for  the  benefit  of 
persons  who  can  not  use  that  beverage.  Wash 
and  scrape  sweet  potatoes,  cut  in  thick  slices  and 
bake  slowly  till  the  color  of  roasted  coffee.  Parch 
field  corn,  grind  in  a  coffee  mill  and  mix  one  part 
potatoes  with  two  of  corn." 

"Thank  you,  Miss  Letitia,'"  said  Col.  Lemar, 
placing  the  memorandum  in  his  pocket-book.  "  I 
think  that  will  compensate  me  for  making  this  trip, 
if  it  proves  as  successful  as  the  tea." 

A  few  da3's  later,  Col.  Lemar  was  consulting 
with  Miss  Templeton  in  regard  to  the  children's 
wardrobe,  while  Walter,  now  a  sprightly  boy  of 
four,  was  sitting  upon  one  knee,  and  the  baby  oc- 
cupied the  other. 

"Papa,"  said  Walter,  "Mammy  sa3^s  you  are 
going  to  build  house,  and  carry  us  off  from  Cousin 
^Titia  :  mayn't  Cousin  'Titia  go  too,  an'  live  with 
us,  papa?'* 

"  Cousin  'Tita  do  too,  papa,"  echoed  the  baby, 
"  her  do  too?  " 

Col.  Lemar  raised  his  eyes  to  Miss  Templeton, 
but  did  not  meet  her's,  as  he  answered  his  chil- 
dren. "  Papa  does  wish  Cousin  'Titia  would  go — 
so  much,  he  does.  That  is  right  darlings,  coax 
Cousin  'Titia  real  hard  for  papa." 

Down  sprang  both  little  ones,  climbing  up  on 
"Cousin  'Titia's "  lap,  and  putting  their  tender 
arms  around  her  neck,   smothered   her  with  em- 


WOMAN  S    WORK. 


93 


braces  and  kisses.  "  P'ease  Tousin  'Titia,  papa 
says  you  may  do  live  in  our  new  house  ;  g'amma 
can't  spare  you  :  Walter  can't  spare  you ;  papa 
can't  spare  you  ;  sister  can't  spare  you." 

With  no  husband  to  share  her  trials,  with  no 
child  to  love  and  train  with  a  mother's  affection, 
was  there  no  longing  in  her  heart  for  either?  For 
nearly  three  3'ears  she  had  supplied  a  mother's 
place  ;  for  nearly  three  years'  acquaintance  with 
Col.  Lemar  had  found  him  to  be  a  man  of  honor, 
dignity,  nobility  of  character,  and  delicacy  of  feel- 
ing. Clasping  an  arm  around  each  little  petitioner 
she  answered  : 

"  Stay  with  Cousin  'Titia  and  be  her  darlings  as 
long  as  you  can.  Cousin  'Titia  can't  go  away,  she 
has  a  field  to  plow,  and  having  put  her  hand  to  the 
work  can  not  look  back." 

"  Tell  Cousin  'Titia  papa  will  plow  beside  her," 
said  Col.  Lemar,  as  his  eldest  daughter  entered 
the  room  and  joined  the  family  group. 

"  But  the  furrows  will  not  run  together,  my 
darlings,  the  work  is  in  different  fields." 

After  the  departure  of  Col.  Lemar,  INIiss  Lintner 
prepared  to  perform  the  duties  of  her  engagement. 
.  "I  was  anxious  to  have  your  society  and  aid," 
said  iNIiss  Templeton,  "knowing  you  could  sym- 
pathize with  me.  .  Sooner  or  later  our  people  will 
be  scattered  and  must  learn  the  lesson  of  self- 
reliance.  They  are  near  to  me,  and  my  interest 
in  them  has  not  abated  since  their  emancipation. 

They  must  be  prepared  to  battle  with  the  world, 
"'13 


194  BOND    AND    FREE. 

and  must  learn  to  read,  write,  count  money,  and 
obtain  such  a  knowledge  of  business  as  will  enable 
them  to  manage  for  themselves.  I  do  not  think 
you  will  find  the  position  agreeable,  but  doubt  not 
that  you  may  become  interested  so  that  the  labor 
will  not  be  irksome.  I  want  them  to  value  knowl- 
edge, which  they  will  do  onh'  b}'  paying  for  it.  I 
have  told  them  that  they  are  to  pav  a  small  tuition 
fee,  and  it  is  optional  whether  they  attend  school 
or  not.  To  induce  them  to  do  so,  I  offer  rewards, 
and  am  desirous  that  they  shall  appreciate  the 
privilege.  I  have  not  encouraged  the  adults,  but 
there  are  several  who  will  be  able  to  devote  a  lim- 
ited time  to  stud}'.  We  have  put  up  a  rough  log 
school-house,  not  unlike  the  one  you  occupied  in 
South  Carolina,  except  that  our  climate  demands 
more  attention  to  warmth  at  this  season.  Brother 
James  writes  that  Nora  is  not  to  be  urged  to  any 
mental  effort." 

"Yes,"  said  Miss  Lintner,  "Dr.  Templeton 
mentioned  the  same  precaution  in  conversation  be- 
fore I  left  home.  He  said  that  a  depression  of  the 
skull  had  caused  chronic  inflammation  of  the  brain. 
The  pressure  was  removed  by  the  art  of  surgery, 
and  her  restoration  to  health  is  only  a  question  of 
time  and  caution.  Your  brother  thought  it  would 
be  safe  to  allow  her  to  be  in  the  school-room,  and 
gather  what  she  could  bv  observation,  if  she  wished 
to  do  so. 

"  Have  you  been  able  to  get  any  information  of 
Uncle  Joe?  " 

"  Not  a  word,"  answered  Miss  Templeton.     "  I 


WOMAN  S    WORK.  1 95 

had  hoped  to  find  him  before  this  time,  and  have 
him  here  to  meet  Dinah,  but  it  has  been  impossible 
for  me  to  leave  my  duties,  and  brother  wrote  that 
cruising  around  the  coast  is  not  to  be  thought  of  so 
long  as  the  Alabama  is  in  existence.  I  can  onl}^ 
live  in  anticipation  that  hostilities  will  not  continue 
much  longer.  What  seemed  to  be  the  prospect  in 
the  North?" 

"There  is  a  diversity  of  opinion;  the  question 
was  warmly  discussed  on  the  train,  by  parties  ex- 
pressing opposite  views.  Upon  one  point  they 
were  agreed,  that  but  a  short  time  would  ensue  be- 
fore the  question  was  settled,  each  side  giving  forci- 
ble arguments  in  favor  of  the  final  victory  of  his 
own  party." 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


GUERRILLAS. 


At  the  rendezvous  of  the  Guerrilla  Club,  were  a 
dozen  hard  looking  characters,  assembled  for  a  so- 
called  business  meeting.  There  were  Hunt  Tem- 
pleton  and  his  two  elder  sons,  and  others  of  the 
same  stamp  ;  men  who  had  taken  advantage  of 
political  turbulence,  and  thrown  oft'  the  moral  influ- 
ence which  had  held  them  in  check  at  other  times  ; 
men  who  followed  their  leader's  example  and  influ- 
ence, active  to  plot,  and  heartless  to  execute. 
When  deterred  by  cowardice,  the  short,  low-browed 
wretch,  called  Dodger,  was  the  tool  for  their  work. 
Yet  Dodger,  with  all  his  baseness,  was  inflexible 
in  his  own  code  of  honor.  Feeling  his  power  as 
an  indispensable  member,  he  was  imperious  in  de- 
manding liberal  payment  for  his  services,  and  in 
refusing  to  take  part  in  acts  violating  his  ideas  of 
bandit  law. 

Sitting  with  his  short  legs  astride  a  chair,  which 
had  been  placed  rearwards,  his  chin  covered  with  a 
week's  growth  of  black  beard  stubble,  his  small 
eyes  peering  like  jet  beads  from  under  heavy  eye- 
brows, meeting    above  a  hooked   nose,  he  was  a 


GUERRILLAS.  1 97 

problem  unsolved  by  the  party  he  had  undertaken 
to  serve. 

Tom  was  opposite,  and  looking  around,  he  ad- 
dressed the  motley  assembly  : 

"Say,  boys,  what  do  you  reckon?  Dodger's 
turned  pious." 

"  Demmit,  that's  a  good  joke,"  said  one,  raising 
his  head  to  get  a  view  of  the  individual  under  dis- 
cussion.    "Don't  make  him   any  whiter  's   I  see." 

"  But  he  is,  though,"  returned  Tom,  with  an 
oath,  "  piouser  'n  a  preacher.  Has  you  got  to  like 
fried  chicken.  Dodger?  You'll  never  do  to  preach 
the  gospel  'thout  you  can  match  'em  in  fried 
chicken." 

"  Heard  the  news  over  't  the  Vale,"  asked  one 
•of  the  number. 

"  Don't  talk  about  the  Vale,"  said  Jerr}'  Tem- 
pleton,  "the  geeurl's  flying  her  kite  high  'mongst 
the  niggers." 

"You  bet,"  interrupted  the  other;  "made  the 
b)iggest  crop  in  the  valley  ;  on  that  and  Melburn's 
place,  too.  Hadn't  been  for  Dodger,  here,  we'd 
pulled  in  the  harvest.  An'  now  they've  built  a 
school-house,  an  got  a  Yankee  geeurl  teachin'  the 
niggers.  How's  that  for  neutralitv  in  politics  an' 
religion?  " 

"Dodger,  d'you  hear  that?"  shouted  Tom,  re- 
filling his  glass. 

"Pitch  in,  go  ahead,"  replied  the  individual  in- 
terrogated, "I  stick  to  m}'  colors.  I  don't  go 
ag'in  lone  women  nor  chil'en,  no  whar,  *pon  honor. 


198  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Cuss  away  ;  I  telled  ye  so  from  de  fust ;  demme  if 
I  give  in." 

Finding  it  useless  to  urge  Dodger  to  participate 
in  a  hostile  undertaking  at  Temple  Vale,  the  two 
brothers,  Tom  and  Jerry,  with  another  accomplice, 
appointed  a  night  to  meet  at  the  school-house. 

Half  an  hour  before  midnight  the  short  figure 
of  a  man,  dodging  under  the  shadows,  reached 
the  little  log  school-house,  raised  the  latch  and  en- 
tered. Peering  around  in  the  dim  light  of  the 
moon,  he  lowered  his  head  and  looked  up  the  clay 
chimney.  With  a  satisfactory  grunt,  he  went  out 
and  hunted  around  till  he  found  a  stout  stick,  about 
four  feet  long.  Returning  to  the  chimney,  he 
reached  up,  and  after  some  effort  succeeded  in  se- 
curing it  across  the  interior,  as  high  up  as  he  could 
reach.  This  done,  he  raised  himself  up  by  grasp- 
ing it  in  both  hands,  and  sat  upon  the  narrow  roost. 
He  had  not  waited  long  when  his  quick  ear  de- 
tected the  approach  of  horses. 

Three  men  came  across  the  field  to  a  thicket  and 
secured  their  horses  by  the  bridles  to  pendant 
boughs.  They  collected  a  quantit}^  of  dried  fuel 
and  carried  it  into  the  school-house.  Piling  the 
benches  together,  they  kindled  a  fire,  expressing 
a  certainty  of  annihilating  the  educational  pros- 
pects of  Temple  Vale.  Trusting  they  could  spread 
the  mischief  to  the  dwelling  house,  and  effectually 
accomplish  their  evil  intentions,  thev  crossed  to 
the  fence,  and  within  a  corner  repeated  the  incen- 
diarism.      Then    returning    to   their    horses,    they 


GUERRILLAS. 


199 


mounted  and  soon  disappeared  in  a  direction  op- 
posite to  that  from  whence  the}^  came. 

Scarce  had  the  sound  of  hoofs  died  awa}^,  when 
the  short  man  alighted  from  his  perch,  hastened 
to  the  rapidly  kindling  flames,  removed  from  them 
the  benches,  and  brushed  the  fire  from  the  floor  to 
the  hearth,  where  it  could  do  no  harm.  Then 
rushing  across  to  the  fence,  was  intently  engaged 
in  scattering  the  pile  of  fuel,  when  his  attention 
was  diverted  by  a  large  mastiff',  which,  without  a 
premonitor}^  bark,  rushed  upon  him  and  bore  him 
to  the  ground. 

For  several  days,  old  Uncle  Jonas  had  been  ill, 
and  daily  had  Miss  Templeton  visited  his  bedside, 
endeavoring  in  vain  to  relieve  his  sufferings,  till 
death  had  gained  the  victory.  Although  the  hour 
was  untimely,  she  had  not  hesitated  to  return  home 
under  the  escort  of  Madison,  w^ith  one  of  the  dogs. 
Without  encountering  any  sounds,  but  those  of 
night-birds,  and  an  occasional  rabbit  dodging  across 
the  path,  the}^  were  nearing  the  house,  when,  just 
as  they  were  coming  out  of  the  thicket  by  the 
school-house,  they  were  in  time  to  see  Bruno,  who 
w^as  in  advance,  pounce  upon  a  figure  almost  hid- 
den b}'  the  shadow  of  the  fence-corner.  With  a 
firm  grip,  the  game  was  held,  till  Miss  Templeton 
rode  near.  Fleetfoot,  for  the  first  time,  discovered 
the  pair,  and  started  back  with  a  snort.  A  few 
words  from  his  mistress  reassured  him,  and  like 
Madison,  he  became  quiet  and  stood  firm,  awaiting 
orders. 


200  BOND    AND    FREE.  -  9 

The  unfortunate  man  cried,  as  soon  as  he  was 
aware  of  the  presence  of  spectators  : 

"Take  him  oft',  oh,  take  him  oft\  he'll  kill  me." 

"That's  just  what  3^ou  d'sarve,"  said  Madison; 
"sneakin'  'round  here,  an'  settin'  fire  to  de  fence, 
you  willian,  look  at  de  smoke,  there.  Let  Bruno 
shake  him,  Miss  Letitia,  he's  just  a  waitin'  for  you 
to  say,  '  shake  'em.'  " 

"  Hold  on  Bruno,"  said  Miss  Templeton,  who 
had  recovered  her  presence  of  mind,  and  was  ready 
for  the  emergenc}^  "Hold  your  game,  Bruno.'' 
Drawing  a  brace  of  pistols  from  her  belt,  and  hand- 
ing one  to  Madison,  she  addressed  Bruno's  prison- 
er:  "We  are  both  of  us  armed,  and  you  must 
obey." 

"  I'll  'bey,  Miss  Templeton,  if  it's  you.  Please 
take  him  oftV'  implored  the  man,  submissively. 

At  the  command  of  his  mistress,  the  dog  released 
his  hold,  but  kept  close  by,  ready  to  recapture  the 
prisoner,  should  it  be  necessarr}^  By  order  of  Miss 
Templeton,  he  delivered  to  her  a  brace  of  revolv- 
ers, also  an  ugly  looking  bowie  knife,  and  was 
marched  toward  the  house.  Bruno  kept  close  by, 
growling  out  disapprobation,  and  occasionally 
showing  his  teeth  in  a  manner  that  expressed  a 
preference  to  use  them  upon  the  person  of  his  cap- 
tive, rather  than  to  follow^  the  command  of  his  mis- 
tress. Miss  Templeton  and  Madison,  with  pistols 
in  hand,  w^ere  ready  for  action,  in  case  of  an  at- 
tempt to  escape. 

Reaching  the  house,  two  stout  men   were  called 


GUERRILLAS.  20I 

to  reinforce  the  guard,  and  the  prisoner  was  invited 
to  enter  under  their  custody. 

The  light  revealed  the  dark,  swarth}-  features  of 
a  suspicious  looking  individual,  whose  keen,  black 
e3'es  dropped  under  the  steady  survey  of  Miss  Tem- 
pleton,  as  with  calm  demeatior  she  addressed  him  : 

"  I  wish  to  see  how  a  man  looks,  who  prowls 
around  at  night  like  a  beast  of  prey,  without  brav- 
ery to  face  the  davlight,  and  sets  on  fire  premises 
occupied  by  ladies  and  children." 

"  You's  got  to  look  at  somebody  else,  ma'am," 
said  the  prisoner,  "  to  see  the  like  as  3'ou  makes 
out.  It's  enough,  a  villain  like  me  has  to  answer 
for,  but  no  man  can  show  I  don't  stan'  by  lone 
women  an'  little  chil'en.'' 

"  Tell  me  the  truth,  man,  if  3'ou  know  what  truth 
is.  Remember  the  God  above  hears  you  and  will 
record  against  you  in  the  great  day,  whether  you 
tell  me  the  truth  or  not.     What  is  your  name?" 

"  I'm  Dodger — Sam  Dodger,  ma'am." 

"  Mr.  Dodger  have  I  ever  injured  you,  that  you 
should,  in  the  dead  of  night,  come  on  mv  place  to 
destrov  my  property?" 

"Pardon,  ma'am,''  answered  the  captive,  "I 
came  on  your  place  in  the  night,  but  I  wouldn't 
hurt  a  ha'r  o'  your  head.  If  you  knowed  what  all 
I  did  come  for,  ^^ou'd  treat  me  different :  but  I  don't 
'low  to  'peach  nobody,  let  alone  the  Club  boys  an' 
your  own  kin.'* 

''  I  do  not  ask  3'ou  to  betray  others,  speak  only 
for  yourself.  Can  3'ou  truthfully  say  that  you 
were  not  setting  tire  to  the  fence?  " 


202  BOND    AND    FREE. 

"  Jes'  as  true  as  I  live  an'  breathe.  I  corned  on 
your  place  to  put  out  the  lire." 

"  That  is  a  very  singular  account,  Mr.  Dodger  ; 
but  I  feel  disposed  to  credit  your  word,  although 
circumstances  are  not  in  3'our  favor.'" 

"It  is  true,  all  the  time,  ma'am,  I  alius  don't 
'prove  o'  comin'  down  on  a  lone  woman,  if  "tis  war 
times  ;  an'  if  you'll  jis  look  'round  the  State,  the 
county,  an'  this  neighborhood,  you'll  see  over  a 
pile  o'  mischief  done  on  t'other  places,  fences  an' 
buildin's  burned,  niggers  run  oft^,  bosses  an'  mules 
gone,  crops  sot  afire,  an'  a  heap  o'  diviltry,  an' 
nary  spear  o'  grass  on  vour  place  hurt.  Mebbe 
Dodger  ain't  nuthin'  to  do  in  it.  I  ain't  pious, 
ma'am,  but  my  mother  is,  an'  I  ain't  goin'  to  let 
no  lone  woman  get  hurt  if  I'm  'round,  vou  bet. 
You  look  in  the  school-house  an'  see,  whar  I  put 
the  fire  out,  an'  fence  too.  'Taint  the  first  time 
I've  done  it,  an'  figured  so's  to  keep  you  cl'ar. 
I'll  swar  it's  all  true,  ma'am  ;  I'm  an  awful  sinner, 
the  Lord  knows,  but  I  wa'nt  hurtin'  nobody  when 
that  brute  o'  vourn  come  on  me,  like  he'd  tear 
ever}'  leader  out  o'  me.  I  can't  blame  him  nor 
you,  nary  one  ;  it  looked  agin  me.  All  I've  got  to 
say  for  Dodger  is,  if  you  put  the  matter  into  court, 
it  '11  be  oncomfortable  for  him  wi'  the  Club  boys  :  but 
if  he  can  slip  back  easv,  an'  nothin'  said,  Dodger 
'11  keep  his  honor  with  myladv,  till  the  war  ends." 

"  I  am  disposed  to  accept  vour  defense,"  said 
Miss  Templeton,  "  and  allow  you  to  leave  without 
further  hindrance.  I  hope  you  will,  hereafter,  ele- 
vate your  code   of  honor  to  the  laws  of  God,  and 


GUERRILLAS.  203 

endeavor  to  live  in  the  light  given  by  his  word. 
Take  these  weapons,  and  may  you  never  raise 
them  to  the  hurt  of  your  fellow  man." 

"Thank  you,  thank  you,  ma'am,"  said  Dodger, 
placing  the  pistols  in  his  belt ;  then  raising  the 
knife  above  his  head,  he  slipped  it  dextrously  into 
a  sheath,  hidden  by  the  coat  collar,  at  the  back  of 
the  neck.  "Let  them  stay  w^here  they  are,  till  I 
have  occasion  to  draw  them  in  defense  of  my  lady." 

Upon  the  conclusion  of  this  chivalrous  speech, 
the  guard  w^as  delegated  to  accompany  him  out  of 
the  house  and  see  that  he  did  not  remain  any  w^iere 
on  the  grounds. 

When  information  was  received  at  the  club  that 
no  harm  had  been  done  to  the  buildings  at  Temple 
Vale,  expressions  of  surprise,  mingled  with  oaths, 
burst  from  the  members,  one  of  w^hom  ventured 
the  assertion  : 

"Demme  if  I  don't  think  the  geeurl's  a  witch. 
'Tain't  no  use  tryin'  to  do  damage  there  any  more. 
Might  jis  well  not  waste  any  more  pow^der  there. 
You  can't  carrv  out  nothin'  in  that  part  o'  the  val- 
ley." 

"  Better  let  the  geeurl  alone,"  suggested  Dodger, 
"  or  she'll  be  flying  'round  you  on  a  broomstick.  I 
never  want  to  see  that  kind  o'  steed  'round  me. 
Git  a  witch  once  started  after  a  man,  an'  her 
curses  '11  stick  to  him  in  the  day  o'  judgment.  I'd 
rather  fight  wd'  Beelsebub  himself,  nor  one  on  'em." 

"  Humph,"  said  Tom,  "  I  reckon  Dodger's  seed 
one  his  own  self,  an'  that's  how  he  lets  that  sort 
alone." 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


MRS.   GROVENER. 


Mrs.  Grovener  manifested  an  increasino^  inter- 
€St  in  the  daily  morning  service,  which  had  been 
continued  witliout  interruption.  During  the  long 
nights  she  lay  sleepless,  waiting  for  the  clock  to 
toll  the  requiem  of  each  passing  hour,  and  welcome 
to  her  was  the  dawn,  when  she  called  her  nurse, 
as  the  bell  at  the  quarters  was  rung  to  arouse  the 
servants  for  another  day's  work. 

Reclining  in  an  eas}'  chair,  she  was  wheeled  out 
to  her  favorite  corner,  and  gave  strict  attention, 
while  Miss  Templeton  or  Miss  Lintner  read  and 
explained  a  few  passages  of  Scripture  ;  and  after 
the  otfering  of  a  simple  petition,  her  voice  joined  in 
the  Lord's  prayer. 

The  services  concluded,  Mrs.  Grovener  partook 
of  a  cup  of  coffee,  returned  to  her  apartment  and 
slept  till  mid-day.  After  dinner,  she  liked  to  en- 
gage one  of  the  ladies  in  conversation,  usually  in 
discussing  the  subject  of  the  morning  lesson. 

Having  one  evening  held  Miss  Lintner  captive, 
to  hear  an  olt-repeated  account  of  the  circumstan- 
ces that  had  caused  her  to  become  a  member  of  the 
family  at  Temple  Vale,  said  : 


MRS.   GROVENER.  205 

''  I  used  to  mourn  our  loss,  and  at  night,  think 
over  the  destruction  of  the  house,  and  all  the 
things  that  burned  up  stairs,  and  how  dreadful  it 
was  to  have  to  come  to  Miss  Templeton's,  where 
everj^thing  was  strange.  Then  my  darling  daughter 
dying  here  and  leaving  the  children  for  me  to  take 
care  of,  it  seems  as  if  I  could  not  bear  such  trials." 

"  No  doubt,"  said  Miss  Lintner,  "  Miss  Temple- 
did  all  she  could  to  promote  your  happiness." 

"Indeed  she  did,  the  dear  girl;  it  must  have 
been  a  great  trial  to  her.  Minnie  w^as  three 
years  old,  and  Walter  but  fourteen  months.  My 
daughter  was  never  well  after  the  fire.  MissTem- 
pleton  cared  for  all  of  us,  as  if  we  had  been  her 
own  kin.  Her  kindness  melted  away  all  the  prej- 
udice I  had  before  cherished  toward  her,  and  now 
it  seems  as  if  I  could  not  live  without  her." 

"  We  little  realize,"  said  Miss  Lintner,  "•  how  all 
things  work  together  for  good,  when  misfortunes 
befall  us." 

"  That  is  not  all  the  verse  ;Miss  Letitia  read  and 
explained  it  one  morning  some  time  ago.  '  And  we 
know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good,  to 
them  that  love  God^  to  them  who  are  called  accord- 
ing to  his  purpose.'  She  said,  that  God  first  loved 
us,  and  sent  his  Son  to  redeem  us  ;  that,  if  we  avail 
ourselves  of  this  redemption,  the  love  of  God  wall 
dwell  in  us.  At  first,  it  did  not  seem  as  if  I  ought 
to  claim  a  share  in  the  promise,  'that  all  things 
work  together  for  good,'  but  the  idea  took  posses- 
sion of  my  mind  ;  I  studied  it  over  night  after  night. 
The  fire  had  led  Miss  Letitia  to  go  over  and  bring 


206  BOND    AND    FREE. 

US  all  here,  and  you  know  what  a  guardian  angel 
she  is.  All  this  kindness,  too,  after  we  had  lived 
neighbors,  and  I  had  never  before  been  on  this 
place.  She  led  my  daughter  to  a  knowledge  of  the 
Saviour,  and  in  m}^  suffering  and  weakness  I  am 
learning  to  love  Him,  who  first  '  loved  us  and  sent 
his  son  to  be  a  propitiation  for  our  sins.'  " 

"'If  we  love  one  another,  God  dwelleth  in  us, 
and  his  love  is  perfected  in  us.  Hereb}^  we  know 
that  we  dwell  in  him,  and  he  in  us,  because  he  hath 
given  us  of  his  spirit,'  "  repeated  Miss  Lintner. 

"  Is  that  from  the  Bible?  Then  it  must  be  the 
love  of  God  that  makes  Miss  Letitia  so  kind  and 
loving  to  every  one.  I  suppose  one  thing  that  makes 
it  so  easy  for  her,  is,  that  she  never  has  an3^thing 
to  trouble  her.  She  never  even  complains  of  a 
headache,  she  has  no  husband  or  children  to  worr}^ 
about,  the  servants  don't  anno}'  her,  and  her  life 
glides  as  smoothh'  as  rowing  a  boat  down  the 
stream." 

So  little  does  one  know  of  another's  trials  !  Had 
man  the  power  to  read  the  heart  of  his  fellow-man, 
as  through  a  glass,  to  find  there  portra^-ed  the  dis- 
appointments, the  sorrows,  the  rifts  in  dark  clouds 
through  which  hope  beams  a  brilliant  star,  open- 
ing and  closing  as  if  playing  with  a  bauble  ;  had 
husbands  and  wives,  brothers  and  sisters,  parents 
and  children,  the  power  to  read  each  others'  hearts 
unveiled,  what  a  world  of  miser}^  this  would  be. 
It  is  more  than  many  can  bear,  to  know  their  own  ; 
hence,  the  All-wise,  in  his  providence,  has  surround- 
ed  each  individual   with   a  veil  of  m3^stery,  into 


MRS.   GROVENER.  207 

which  he  may  withdraw  with  his  own  heart,  and 
dwell  in  sacred  communion  alone  with  the  Com- 
forter. 

*'Miss  Letitia  has  not  told  3-011  anything  of  her 
life,  while  Mr.  Hunt  Templeton  was  on  the  place, 
I  suppose,"  said  Miss  Lintner. 

"  Oh  I  no;  she  was  in  the  North  all  the  time, 
and  has  not  told  me  anything  about  it.  She  speaks 
of  hearing  of  her  brothers  frequently  ;  one  of  them 
is  a  doctor  and  has  an  extensive  practice.  Have 
you  ever  seen  them?  " 

"  I  have.  Dr.  Templeton  resides  in  a  town  not 
far  from  my  home.  He  was,  at  tirst,  partner  of  an 
old  physician,  who  has  given  up  the  profession  on 
account  of  his  infirmities,  and  Dr.  Templeton  has 
the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  most  successful 
practitioners  in  our  part  of  the  State.  His  wife  is 
an  accomplished  German  lady,  whose  acquaintance 
he  made  while  at  college  in  Germany." 

"Is  it  possible  I  Dear  me,  dear  me  I  How  the 
world  does  turn  things  over  I  Have  they  any  chil- 
dren?" 

"They  have  one,  a  little  girl  two  years  old." 

"Is  it  possible  I  And  will  you  pardon  me  if  I 
ask  what  is  her  complexion?" 

Miss  Lintner  well  understood  the  purport  of  the 
question  and  was  able  to  relieve  the  curiosity  of 
Mrs.  Grovener,  by  saying,  "  Certainly,  madam, 
she  is  decidedly  a  Teuton,  as  fair  as  a  lily,  with 
light  blue  eyes,  and  straight  hair." 

"Is  it  possible  I     Dear  me,  dear  me  !     How  the 


208  BOND    AND    FREE. 


world  does  turn  things  over  !  Is  the  other  brother 
there  also?  " 

"  Mr.  Oscar  Templeton  resides  about  twenty- 
five  miles  from  his  brother.  He  is  partner  in  a 
factory,  and  is  making  a  fortune  by  large  contracts 
from  Government.     He  is  not  married." 

"  How  wonderful  I  She  never  boasted  of  either 
of  them,  or  mentioned  that  they  were  so  success- 
ful in  business.  She  speaks  of  them  as  '  Buddie,' 
and  '  Little  Bud.'  And  now,  Miss  Lintner,  I  am 
going  to  tell  vou  what  I  have  never  told  an}^  one 
(but  my  husband  knows  it).  We  lived  neighbors 
all  the  time  when  my  daughter  was  growing  up 
from  childhood,  and  I  would  not  let  her  be  ac- 
quainted with  Letitia  Templeton,  because  of  the 
taint  on  her  mother's  side.  I  feel  better  to  have 
told  some  one.  It  has  been  a  great  weight  upon 
my  mind  and  I  hope  it  will  not  trouble  me  any 
more." 

"  Do  not  think  of  it  again,  my  dear  Mrs.  Grove- 
ner,  I  am  sure  Miss  Letitia  does  not.  Like  St. 
Paul,  she  may  sa}',  'This  one  thing  I  do,  for- 
getting those  things  which  are  behind,  and  reach- 
ing forward  to  those  things  which  are  before,  I 
press  forward  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the 
high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.'  " 

''  And  a  blessed  thing  it  is,"  said  Mrs.  Grovenor, 
^^  that  \\Q  can  forget  things  that  are  behind,  and 
look  forward  to  what  is  before.  I  am  glad  you 
think  Miss  Letitia  forgets  how  we  used  to  look 
upon  her  father's  family." 

''  In  her  desire  to  promote  the  welfare  of  those 


MRS.   GROVENER.  2O9 

around  her,"  said  Miss  Lintner,  ''she  is  certainly 
doing  her  duty  in  that  state  of  hfe  in  which  it  has. 
pleased  God  to  call  her/' 

Newspapers  sent  from  Washington  by  Mr.  Gro- 
vener,  giving  details  of  the  progress  of  the  war, 
were  read  by  the  ladies,  with  earnest  prayers  that 
scenes  of  battles  with  destruction  of  life  and  prop- 
erty might  not  be  repeated. 

Victories  were  achieved  by  the  desolation  of  Vir- 
ginia's fairest  valleys,  by  the  groans  of  the  wound- 
ed, and  the  outpouring  of  the  life-blood  of  the  brave. 

"Victories,"  said  Miss  Templeton,  "dearly 
bought.  God  grant  the  time  may  come  when  "wars 
and  rumors  of  wars'  are  no  longer  heard  I  " 

Mrs.  Grovener  had,  for  some  time,  been  failing 
in  strength  ;  medical  advice  was  of  no  avail,  and 
she  seemed  to  be  conscious  that  her  days  were  num- 
bered. 

"Please,  Miss  Letitia,"  she  said,  "write  to  Mr. 
Grovener,  that  he  must  come  home.  The  war  is 
ended,  and  Mr.  Lincoln  does  not  need  him  so  much 
as  I  do.     I  shall  not  want  him  long." 

"I  will  write  by  to-morrow^'s  mail,  to  the  tele- 
graph operator  in  Norfolk,  to  send  him  a  despatch, 
if  you  wish,  so  that  he  may  receive  it  in  time  to 
come  this  week.  We  can  send  the  carriage  to  the 
river,  hoping  he  will  come  by  the  steamboat  on  Sat- 
urday." 

"  Saturday,"  repeated   Mrs.    Grovener,    "can  I 

wait  so  long  ?     Almost  a  week.     What  was  that  you 

read  about  patience,  this  morning?  " 
14 


2IO  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Miss  Templeton  repeated  :  "Knowing  that  tribu- 
lation worketh  patience  ;  and  patience,  experience  ; 
and  experience,  hope ;  and  hope  maketh  not 
ashamed  ;  because  the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad 
in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  which  is  given  unto 
us." 

Mrs.  Grovener  clasped  her  thin  hands  and  closed 
her  eyes  a  few  moments,  then  looking  up  to  Miss 
Templeton,  said,  "  The  love  of  God  works  patience. 
I  will  wait  till  Saturday." 

The  few  days  passed  and  the  expected  husband 
came.  Sunday  morning  dawned,  finding  Mr. 
Grovener  and  Miss  Templeton  still  watching  at 
the  bedside  of  the  sufferer,  refusing  to  leave 
their  post.  The  first  rays  of  the  rising  sun 
streamed  in  an  east  window,  as  if  to  bridge  her 
way  across  the  dark  valley,  awakening  her  once 
more  to  earth.  Mrs.  Grovener  looked  toward  Miss 
Templeton  and  whispered,  "  Sing." 

A  reply  to  the  request  was  heard  in  the  familiar 
hymn,  "I  would  not  live  alway,"  sung  in  clear, 
soft  tones.  At  its  conclusion,  Mr.  Grovener  was 
still  holding  the  hand  of  his  wife,  but  the  wrist  was 
pulseless ;  the  heart  had  ceased  to  beat ;  while 
listening  to  the  voice  of  one  of  "  earth's  angels," 
her  spirit  had  winged  its  flight  to  Paradise. 

The  nurse  brought  from  a  drawer  an  elegant 
silk  dress,  made  in  a  style  worn  a  quarter  of  a  cen- 
tury before,  and  fine  linen  under-garments,  beau- 
tifully embroidered  b}'  the  hands  that  had  long- 
since  discontinued  the  use  of  the  needle,  and  now 


MRS.   GROVENER.  211 

lay  folded  in  the  coldness  of  death.  In  these  her 
last  toilet  was  made. 

The  construction  of  a  coffin  was  committed  to 
Terence.  Caskets  had  disappeared  from  the  stock 
in  the  village  stores,  and,  save  an  old  packing-box, 
there  was  utter  want  of  boards  on  the  plantation, 
all  having  been  used  for  various  purposes  since  the 
wheel  of  the  saw-mill  had  ceased  its  busy  hum. 

The  coffin  was  made  and  its  inspection  by  Miss 
Templeton  called  forth  a  sigh. 

"Just  the  thought  of  using  so  rough  a  box  is 
shocking  to  me  ;  and  Mr.  Grovener,  poor  man, 
will  be  greatly  distressed." 

"  I  think  we  can  improve  its  appearance  b}'  cov- 
ering it,"  suggested  Miss  Lintner. 

"  So  we  might,"  said  Miss  Templeton,  "  had  we 
the  goods  ;  but  I  have  not  a  yard  of  an^'thing  suit- 
able, not  even  a  black  dress  that  is  not  worn  out." 

"  How  would  it  do  to  use  the  black  alpaca  dress 
Mrs.  Grovener  sometimes  wore?"  asked  Miss 
Lintner. 

"  Verv  well.  The  skirt  is  full,  and  there  will  be 
enough  to  cover  and  line  it." 

The  suggestion  was  carried  out,  and  with  some 
white  Swiss  lawn  a  pillow  was  covered,  upon 
which  the  head  of  the  dead  lady  rested  as  sweetly 
as  if  it  had  been  upon  a  bed  of  flowers. 

The  coffin  was  not  heavy  ;  four  of  the  servants 
reverently  bared  their  heads  and  carried  it  easily, 
b}^  means  of  two  strips  of  untanned  hide  upon 
which  it  rested.  The  bereaved  husband  and  grand- 
children   followed,   then   the    two    ladies    and  the 


212  BOND    AND    FREE. 

servants  of  the  three  plantations  formed  a  proces- 
sion that  wound  its  way  to  the  branch,  across 
the  foot-bridge,  over  the  fields  and  up  the  hill  to 
the  burying  ground  of  the  Grovener  family. 

There  was  no  undertaker,  no  friend  to  aid  in  the 
last  obsequies,  no  clergyman  to  offer  a  prayer  for 
the  repose  of  the  departed  or  to  console  the  living. 
Relying  solely  upon  their  own  resources,  with  the 
help  of  high  Heaven,  this  little  band  buried  their 
dead. 

Miss  Lintner  read  from  a  book  containing  a 
burial  service  some  passages  of  Scripture  adapted 
to  the  occasion.  The  coffin  was  lowered  into  the 
grave  and  covered  with  earth,  then  all  joined  in 
the  Lord's  Praver  and  returned  to  their  homes. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


RETRIBUTION. 


''  Whoo-o-op  !  Whoo-o-op  \  "  rang  out  upon 
the  air  one  morning,  an  hour  before  dawn. 

The  dogs  sprang  from  their  kennels  and  bade 
defiance  to  the  earl}^  visitor. 

"Whoo-o-op!  Whoo-o-op  1 "  was  repeated  in 
tones  that  might  have  been  heard  from  the  gate 
down  at  the  pubHc  road,  a  half  mile  distant ;  but 
this  time  the  voice  was  nearer,  and  appeared  to 
proceed  from  just  beyond  the  gate  that  gave  en- 
trance from  the  avenue  to  the  grounds  surrounding 
the  house. 

That  anyone  should  be  bold  enough  to  appear  so 
near  without  permission,  during  the  night,  espec- 
iall}-,  was  an  unusual  occurrence,  and  so  excited 
the  dogs  that  Miss  Templeton  feared  they  would 
go  beyond  their  prescribed  limits,  and  attack  the 
intruder  before  they  could  be  prevented. 

Madison  was  aroused,  and  appeared  at  the  door. 
Accustomed  to  communicate  with  those  who  thus 
made  known  their  desire  for  an  interview,  his  voice 
responded  : 

"Halloo!  Who's  there?" 


214  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Answer  came  above  the  howling  of  dogs  : 

"Tell  Miss  Templeton  it's  Dodger,  meanin'  no 
harm,  wid  a  couple  o'  women  an'  a  baby." 

The  cry  of  a  child  was  distinctly  heard,  and  that, 
perhaps,  induced  the  cautious  negro  to  continue 
the  parle}^ 

"An'  what  are  3'ou  doin'  here,  this  time  o'  night,, 
wid  women  an'  a  baby?" 

"  I've  fotched  'em  out  o'  danger.  Let  us  in,  my 
good  fellow,  an'  I'll  tell  you  all  about  it." 

From  an  open  window.  Miss  Templeton  had 
heard  the  conversation,  and  hesitated  as  to  the  wis- 
dom of  admittingthem  within  the  grounds.  Madi- 
son came  near  enough  to  say  : 

"  It's  Dodger,  Miss  ;  the  villain  as  set  tire  to  the 
fence,  an'  scared  us  so  the  night  Uncle  Jonas  died. 
I  'low  he's  got  a  couple  o'  low  down,  onnery  wo- 
men 'long,  an'  the  Lord  knows  what  devilment 
they  all's  got  in  thar  heads.  Baby,  or  no  baby,  if 
you'll  jes  let  me,  I'll  get  'em  oft'  this  plantation 
powerful  lively." 

"  Let  them  into  the  yard,  Madison,  and  keep  the 
dogs  close  by  till  daylight.  Call  Terence  and 
Harry  to  be  on  the  watch  with  you.  The}^  must 
have  a  reason  for  coming  here,  but  w^hether  good 
or  bad,  we  can  not  ascertain  till  it  is  light." 

After  they  had  been  admitted,  a  period  of  sus- 
pense transpired  until  dawn  dissipated  the  gloom  of 
night,  and  the  m^^sterv  of  the  unwelcome  visitors. 

Near  the  court  house,  lived  a  family  of  low,  ig- 
norant whites,  well  known  through  the  country  for 


RETRIBUTION.  215 

immorality.  Madison  recognized  in  the  two  wo- 
men with  Dodger,  the  mother  and  a  daughter. 

"We  can  onl}^  hear  what  they  have  to  sa}^  Mad- 
ison, and  if  the}'  have  a  bad  motive,  we  shall  prob- 
ably discover  it.  Call  the  man  first,  and  let  him 
tell  his  story." 

Dodger  having  answered  the  summons,  came  to 
explain  the  object  of  his  errand. 

"  I'm  here,  ma'am,  'cause  I  didn't  know^  where 
else  to  take  'em,"  he  began  his  apology,  nodding 
toward  his  companions.  "We've  been  in  the  woods 
two  davs,  an'  nary  bite's  one  on  us  had  ter  eat, 
'cept  a  little  corn  meal  we  brought  along?" 

"Why  did  you  go  to  the  w^oods  ?"  said  Miss  Tem- 
pleton. 

"Lord,  ma'am,  didn't  you  hear  how  the  court 
house  an'  the  tavern,  an'  all  the  houses  beyond  Far- 
well's  branch,  is  all  clean  burnt  up  ?  It's  the  big- 
gest blaze  the  boys  'as  lit  up  yet.  I  got  out  mj^  wo- 
man, 'an  the  old  un,  an'  the  baby  ;  that  ar's  my 
baby,  ma'am.  I  can  lie  'round  myself  'thout  a  bite 
fur  two  or  three  days  ;  but  it's  hard  on  the  women, 
an'  the  baby  cries  a  heap.  Dodger  don't  go  sneak- 
in'  'round  nights  no   more,    since ,  since , 

well,  since ,   you  'low^ed   he   set  fire  to  your 

fence.     But  he  didn't  though,  I'll  sw'arto  that." 

"Do  you  tell  me  that  G is  destroyed  by  fire." 

"Plum  cleaned  out.  I  ain't  lyin'  ;  nothin'  thar 
but  ashes." 

"Where  are  the  people?" 

"Couldn't  say,  ma'am;  here's  us,  don't  know 
'bout  the  rest  on  'em." 


2l6  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Miss  Templeton  ordered  food  to  be  provided  for 
the  unfortunate  family  :  and  as  the  school-house 
had  been  abandoned,  the}'  were  allowed  to  take 
possession  of  it  for  a  few  days. 

Dodger  was  quite  uneasy  while  there,  lest  he 
should  be  discovered  by  members  of  the  club,  and 
expressed  a  desire  to  leave  that  part  of  the  State. 
Miss  Templeton  did  not  oppose  him,  and  furnishing 
a  supph'  of  corn  meal  and  meat  for  two  da^^s'  pro- 
vision, bade  him  and  his  famil}'  "good-bye,"  as 
they  set  out  to  walk  the  entire  distance  to  Norfolk. 

"I  might  have  sent  them  a  few  miles  in  a  wagon," 
said  she  to  Miss  Lintner,  "but  I  did  not  think  it 
would  be  prudent.  I  would  not  like  to  place  either 
driver  or  mules  in  their  power,  or  in  the  power  of 
those  whom  thev  might  encounter." 

Both  ladies  and  several  of  the  servants  stood 
watching  them,  till  they  disappeared  from  view. 

Dinah,  with  arms  akimbo,  turned  to  her  mistress, 
saying  :  "Miss  'Titia,  I's  powerful  glad  fur  ter  see 
them  ar'  low-down  w'ite  trash's  backs  clean  out  o' 
sight.  Did  you. see  the  ole  woman,  how  she  had  on 
m}'  gingham  apron,  an'  de  tudder  stole  m}-  bes'  tur- 
ban? 'Pears  like  such  kind  o'  truck  aint  so  easy 
bought  now-a-da3's." 

"We  all  don't  shed  no  tears,  sayin'  'good-bye' 
to  their  likes,"  said  Madison,  going  toward  the 
kitchen.  "We  don't  want  no  more  dat  sort  o'  com- 
pan}'  on  dis  plantation." 

The  work  of  the  guerrillas  had  hitherto  gone  un- 
punished. Flames  had  lighted  up  the  darkness  of 
the  night,    rendering    helpless   families   homeless. 


RETRIBUTION.  2  I  7 

Suspicion  had  traced  the  source  to  its  headquar- 
ters, but  fear  had  quieted  investigation  and  the 
perpetrators  were  still  unmolested.  The  sign  of 
''Hunt  Templeton  &  Sons"  had  become  dingy 
and  hung  upon  its  rusty  fastenings,  creaking  as  it 
was  swayed  by  the  wind.  The  windows  were  cov- 
ered with  dust,  and  not  a  few^  of  the  panes  broken. 
Shutters  had  been  originally  made  to  close  over 
them,  and  secured  by  iron  bolts  to  keep  out 
burglars  ;  these,  from  neglect  and  decay,  had 
ceased  to  render  an}-  service,  and  lay  upon  the 
ground  half  covered  with  a  rank  growth  of  weeds, 
and  an  accumulation  of  rubbish.  A  view  through 
the  w^indows  was  obstructed  by  soiled  blankets 
tacked  upon  the  casings  inside. 

Any  show  of  merchandise  had  long  since  disap- 
peared from  the  shelves,  a  few  empty  boxes  alone 
remained  to  tell  the  story  of  former  use. 

Outside  the  building  was  a  rickety  flight  of  stairs, 
in  so  dangerous  a  condition,  that  only  those  accus- 
tomed to  make  the  ascent,  would  venture  to  do  so 
with  a  prospect  of  reaching  the  top  in  safety. 

In  two  rooms  were  remnants  of  the  furniture 
bought  for  the  villa  at  Temple  Vale  ;  only  rem- 
nants, for  much  had  been  sold  or  w^orn  out  by  hard 
usage.  Two  beds  were  in  the  front  apartment  and 
in  the  other  were  crowded  a  bed,  table,  chairs  and 
other  articles  used  for  domestic  purposes. 

Hunt  Templeton  and  his  family  called  this 
"  home." 

In  the  rear  yard  was  a  little  old  log  cabin  used 
as  a  kitchen.     An  old  negress,  once  a  slave,  earned 


2l8  BOND    AND    FREE. 

her  own  irregular  rations,  by  serving  as  cook.  She 
gathered  from  decaying  fences  of  surrounding 
propert}' ,  fuel  with  which  to  prepare  food  that  was 
brought  to  her  ;  sometimes  in  abundant  supplies, 
and  as  often  deficient  in  quantit}'  as  well  as  quality. 
From  whence  it  came,  no  one  asked. 

One  night,  soon  after  the  burning  of  the  village 
of  G — ,  as  the  clock  struck  twelve,  dark  figures 
could  be  seen  approaching  the  building  from  dif- 
ferent directions.  Those  who  came  on  horseback 
left  their  horses  under  the  sheds  of  the  forsaken 
tavern,  and  joined  their  comrades  on  foot.  All 
were  armed,  masked,  and  silently  obeyed  the  si'g- 
nal  or  whispered  command  of  a  leader.  The  house 
being  surrounded  and  all  ready,  a  sharp  knock  was 
made  at  the  door. 

There  was  no  answer.  All  was  silent.  Another 
knock,  louder  and  sharper  than  before. 

Above,  a  sound  was  heard,  as  if  a  window  was 
being  raised  ;  a  slat  moved  in  the  blinds,  and  a 
female  voice  inquired  : 

'*  Who's  there?" 

"  Tom  and  Jerry  Templeton  are  wanted,"  came 
from  below. 

"They  are  not  here;  they  are  away  from  the 
count}^"  answered  the  speaker  above. 

"Tom  and  Jerrj^  Templeton  are  in  this  house. 
We  know  it.  We  will  have  them,  or  we  will  burn 
up  this  old  trap,  and  ever}^  sneaking  rat  in  it.*' 

Meantime,  a  window  was  raised  in  the  rear  so 
quietl}^  that,  but  for  a  guard  stationed  near,  it 
would    have    escaped    observation.     A    rope    was 


RETRIBUTION.  219 

dropped,  and  a  man  descended,  hand  over  hand. 
No  sooner  had  he  reached  the  ground,  than  another 
appeared  at  the  window,  and  followed  in  the  same 
way. 

The  guard  who  first  made  the  discovery  had 
been  joined  by  two  others,  and  while  the  second 
man  was  still  suspended  in  the  air,  a  low,  sharp 
whistle  brought  reinforcements  enough  to  seize  the 
two,  after  a  desparate  struggle,  pinion  their  arms, 
deprive  them  of  weapons,  and  lead  them  around 
to  the  commander. 

The  light  of  a  dark  lantern  flashed  in  the  faces 
of  the  captives,  and  they  were  identified  as  the 
objects  of  the  search. 

Another  knock  was  made  at  the  door,  with  the 
demand  that  "  The  old  gentleman  must  now  present 
himself  for  duty." 

The  same  voice  answered  that  responded  to  the 
first  summons  ;  a  voice  tremulous  with  fear  : 

' '  You  have  m}^  sons  :  will  you  take  my  hus- 
band? " 

"  Madam,  we  are  not  here  to  parley,  but  to  carry 
out  orders." 

Two  men  ascended  the  rickety  staircase,  and 
with  an  ax  crushed  in  the  door.  Seizing  their 
prisoner  in  the  midst  of  cries  and  screams  of  the 
wife  and  daughters,  he  was  dragged  down  the 
stairs  and  led  to  the  place  where  his  sons  were. 
All  three  were  taken  across  the  street  to  a  vacant 
lot.  The  two  sons  were  blindfolded  and  made  to 
kneel.  A  sharp  report  was  heard.  Two  bodies 
fell. 


220  BOND    AND    FREE. 

The  father  was  blindfolded  and  led  awa}'  to  the 
shed  where  the  horses  were  tied.  There  he  was 
made  to  mount  one  of  them,  and,  surrounded  b}-  a 
strong  force,  rode  away. 

Mrs.  Templeton  had  thrown  open  the  blinds, 
and  the  moon  coming  up  lighted  the  scene.  '  She 
and  her  daughter  were  witnesses  of  the  last  acts  in 
the  tragedy.  Then  came  to  her  mind,  like  an  old 
half- forgotten  story,  revived  by  the  scene  of  blood 
before  her,  words  that  had  been  uttered  by  a  frantic 
mother,  bemoaning  her  half-murdered  child  :  words 
that  rang  in  her  ears,  and  brought  back  the  past  in 
vivid  remembrance:  "May  the  day  come,  when 
your  husband's  tuck  ofT,  an'  ^^our  chillun's  knocked 
down  in  your  sight,  an'  3'our  hand  's  too  feeble  to 
save." 

With  a  heavy  thud  she  fell  upon  the  floor  sense- 
less. 

"Vengeance  is  mine,  I  will  repay,  saith  the 
Lord." 


CHAPTER   XXV. 

FINANCIERING. 

After  a  storm  has  wreaked  its  fury  upon  a 
sin-stained  world,  it  is  said  that  poisonous  gases 
are  dissipated,  the  air  is  purer,  vegetation  is  washed 
and  all  nature  rises  refreshed  and  purified.  Per- 
haps so  ;  but  it  has  left  a  mark  to  tell  of  its  visita- 
tion, which  time  may  never  entirely  efface.  The 
labor  of  man  may  have  been  brought  to  naught, 
gigantic  trees  uprooted  and  lie  prostrate,  rocks 
loosened,  water-courses  break  their  bounds  and 
seek  new  channels. 

The  same  is  true  of  outbreaks  that  convulse  na- 
tions. The  political  atmosphere  becomes  charged 
with  the  sins  of  Adam's  race,  and  the  pent  up 
venom  finds  vent  at  the  cannon's  mouth.  Sec- 
tional parties  are  revolutionized,  difficult  problems 
are  solved,  and  questions  that  have  been  the  study 
of  wise  heads  are  found  answered  in  the  clamor  of 
war,  where  man  is  arrayed  against  his  fellow  man, 
brother  against  brother ;  right  and  left  flashes  the 
sword  and  booms  the  artillery,  till  humanity,  sated, 
cries,  ''Hold  I  enough!" 

The  smoke  dissipated — the  light  of  peace  broke 


222  BOND    AND    FREE. 

through — but  alas — the  devastation  was  sickening 
to  behold. 

Thousands  of  regiments  of  young  men  who  had 
gone  out  with  stout  hearts  and  manly  forms,  re- 
turned to  their  homes  sadly  thinned  in  numbers,  as 
well  as  weakened  both  morally  and  ph^'sically. 
Amid  shouts  of  welcome  to  the  living,  was  heard 
a  wail  for  the  lost  who  were  never  to  return — -for 
those  whose  bodies  had  corrupted  in  trenches, 
or  whose  bones  bleached  upon  unknown  fields  ; 
for  those  who  had  died  from  starvation  in  prisons, 
or  from  neglect  in  hospitals. 

After  the  storm,  the  billows  continued  to  heave  ; 
the  great  lump  in  the  throat  of  the  conquered  child, 
choked  his  utterance,  when  told  to  return  to  his  al- 
legiance and  kiss  the  rod. 

Mr.  Grovener  remained  at  Temple  Vale  after  the 
death  of  his  wife,  supervising  the  labor  of  putting 
in  the  crops  on  his  estate,  a  matter  in  which  he  had 
but  little  interest,  having  hitherto  given  it  into  the 
hands  of  an  overseer,  and  devoted  his  own  mind  to 
his  profession. 

A  broken  plow,  a  sick  mule,  a  field  showing  how 
unevenly  the  seed  had  been  sown,  here  and  there 
the  ground  nearl}^  bare,  interspersed  with  places 
where  the  grain  had  sprouted  too  thickl}^  were  an- 
noyances he  had  not  been  accustomed  to  contend 
with. 

After  an  irritating  da}',  he  returned  to  the  house 
of  his  hostess,  and  threw  himself,  exhausted,  into  a 


FINANCIERING.  223 

chair.  Wiping  the  perspiration  from  his  face  and 
bald  head,  he  exclaimed: 

"It  seems  to  me  I  can  never  enjoy  country  life. 
You  seem  to,  and  I  wish  you  would  buy  my  place." 

It  was  a  hasty  remark,  as  it  had  never  occurred 
to  his  mind  that  Miss  Templeton  had  either  means 
or  desire  to  enlarge  the  boundaries  of  her  posses- 
sions. 

"Do  you?"  she  asked  smiling,  "at  what  price?" 

"What  price?  O,  I  do  not  know.  If  I  could  find 
a  good  cash  buyer,  I  would  sell  the  whole  place  for 
,"  naming  a  very  low  sum.  Actuated  by  a  de- 
sire to  dispose  of  the  property,  and  relieve  himself 
from  care,  at  a  time  when  but  few  sales  were  made, 
his  first  impulse  was  to  sell  out  at  an}-  price. 

"Will  you  sell  it  to  me  for  that  amount?" 

"Sell  it  to  you?     Of  course  I  will." 

"From  your  tone  of  voice,  you  think  I  am  jest- 
ing ;  but  I  was  never  more  in  earnest.  If  you  will 
sell  to  me  for  the  price  you  have  mentioned,  I  will 
give  you  a  draft  for  the  amount ;  or,  if  that  would 
not  be  fair,  and  you  think  you  have  hastilv  under- 
valued it,  supposing  I  was  in  jest,  reconsider  the 
matter  and  state  your  proper  estimate." 

The  successful  crops  and  high  prices  obtained 
during  the  few  years  past,  had  gathered  a  consider- 
able amount  to  Miss  Templeton's  credit,  while  her 
personal  expenses  had  been  so  trifling  that  she  had 
drawn  little  from  it. 

Mr.  Grovener  was  amused  at  her  proposition, 
and  said  :  "That  is  a  woman's  way  of  transacting 
business,  is  it?     I  state  the  price,  and  you  suggest 


224  BOND    AND    FREE. 

that  I  have  not  placed  it  high  enough.  Had  I 
named  but  a  quarter  of  its  vakie,  I  would  not  com- 
promise my  word.  Permit  me  to  suggest  that  you 
should  be  more  acute  in  dealing,  or  some  persons 
might  take  advantage  of  you."' 

"I  hope  not.  I  see  but  few  gentlemen,  and 
those  with  whom  I  have  business  dealing  are  hon- 
orable. Does  it  make  anv  difference  whether  it  be 
a  man's  or  a  woman's  way,  if  it  is  only  right? 
Moses  presented  his  code  of  laws  to  both  man  and 
woman.  So  far  as  I  know,  our  laws  recognize  the 
same  right  for  one  as  for  the  other,  in  holding 
property.  Do  they  not?  You  ought  to  know, 
spending  so  much  time  as  you  do  in  the  study  of 
law." 

"  When  you  make  enough  to  retire  from  farming, 
sell  out  and  go  to  Washington.  The  discussion  of 
the  rights  of  your  sex  is  an  important  topic,  and 
engrosses  the  attention  of  ladies  there." 

''Thank  you  ;  I  never  expect  to  have  leisure  to 
devote  to  discussions  with  the  charge  of  three 
farms,  and  can  not  form  plans  extending  so  far  into 
the  future." 

"You  are  wise.  I  wish  there  were  many  more 
who  reasoned  thus.  But  to  return  to  the  subject  of 
buying  my  place.  I  adhere  to  my  proposition. 
When  it  will  suit  your  convenience,  Mr.  Bruner 
wdll  execute  a  deed.  For  many  ^^ears  the  greater 
portion  of  m^^  time  has  been  passed  in  the  excite- 
ment of  the  political  arena  ;  the  quietude  of  plan- 
tation life  has  only  been  enjoyed  as  a  period  of 
recuperation  with  my  little  family  :  now  that  those 


FIXAXCIERIXG.  225 

ties  are  severed,  I  should  be  happier  without  the  re- 
sponsibility. One  request  I  have  to  make  ;  that, 
when  overburdened  with  mental  work,  you  will 
allow  me  to  come  here  and  exist  without  a  care  or 
anxious  thought." 

After  the  purchase  was  concluded,  sections  were 
parceled  off  for  several  of  the  servants,  who  were 
ambitious  to  own  land,  and  had  been  able  to  save 
of  their  earnings,  during  the  past  two  years,  suf- 
ficient to  make  part  payment.  They  were  to  oc- 
cupy their  cabins  at  the  quarters,  and  return,  as 
before,  a  share  of  the  harvest,  until  they  had  fully 
paid  for  the  land. 

"I  can  see,"  said  Miss  Templeton,  "that  after 
the  men  have  saved  up  a  little^  mone}',  they  feel  a 
degree  of  independence,  and  will  be  better  off  if 
they  invest  it.  I  have  no  desire  to  own  a  large 
estate,  with  the  responsibilit}"  of  its  care,  but  I 
want  these  fields  on  the  east,  that  belonged  to  Mr. 
Grovener,  and  in  buying  the  whole  plantation,  I 
can  take  them,  and  sell  off  portions  of  the  rest  for 
snug  little  farms  to  those  who  desire. 

''The  people  are  gradually  learning  what  it  is 
to  be  free,  and  continue  useful  in  laboring  for  their 
own  maintenance.  When  I  am  led  to  realize  their 
dependence,  and  the  incapacity  of  the  majority,  it 
seems  as  if  it  must  be  the  work  of  this  generation 
of  masters  and  mistresses  to  prepare  the  black 
race  for  leading  lives  of  independence." 

"  I  agree  with  you,"  said.  Miss  Lintner,   "as  to 

the  position  occupied  by  this  liberated  people  ;  but 

a  right  perception  of  it  may  not  be  arrived  at  by 
15 


226  BOND    xVND    FREE. 

all  of  them,  even  if  they  have  time  and  means  to 
acquire  it.  Those  within  the  sphere  of  your  influ- 
ence are  fortunate  in  the  possession  of  advantages 
offered  for  their  improvement." 

"  I  sometimes  feel  that  the  responsibilitv  is  too 
great,"  continued  Miss  Templeton.  "  Had  you 
not  come  to  help  me  out,  I  should  have  been  found 
wanting  in  the  discharge  of  duties,  and  manv 
things  left  undone  that  ought  to  have  been  done. 
There  is  one  urgent  necessity  that,  I  hope,  will  cease 
to  exist,  as  it  has  sometimes  alarmed  me.  There  is 
no  medical  practitioner  within  a  radius  of  fifteen 
miles  ;  and  then,  after  the  necessary  delay,  we 
have  only  the  poor  advice  of  a  man  who  knows 
little  more  than  mv  '  Family  Practice.'  Had  not 
Mrs.  Grovener  consulted  able  physicians  in  her 
case,  previous  to  the  war,  and  been  told  that 
nothing  could  be  done  for  her  relief,  I  should 
alwa^^s  have  felt  that  she  might  have  been  cured." 

"■  It  is  well,"  said  Miss  Lintner,  "  that  we  are  in 
a  healthy  location,  and  that  your  knowledge,  and 
care  of  the  sick,  have  to  a  great  degree  diminished 
the  necessity  of  employing  a  doctor." 

"  Brother  James  appreciates  our  position,  and 
writes,  that  a  gentleman  who  has  been  a  surgeon  in 
the  army,  is  looking  about  for  a  location.  Buddie 
has  advised  him  to  come  here,  and  I  think  he  will 
be  welcome." 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

PEACE. 

After  the  cessation  of  hostilities  and  disbanding 
of  the  guerrilla  club,  precaution  gradually  dimin- 
ished, and  confidence  in  personal  securit}'  in- 
creased. The  cabin,  used  after  the  abandonment 
of  the  school-house,  became  so  much  crowded  by 
reinforcements  of  children,  some  of  whom  came  a 
distance  of  two,  three,  or  even  four  miles,  that  it 
was  necessary  to  re-occupy  their  former  premises. 

Jane  had  been  a  faithful  student,  and  made  such 
•progress  that  Miss  Lintner  called  upon  her  for  aid 
in  instructing  the  younger  pupils. 

The  Sunday  services  were  also  held  at  the  same 
place,  and  from  a  large  range  of  country  came 
adults  with  their  children,  white  people  and  black, 
to  take  part  in  the  exercises. 

Division  into  classes  became  necessary,  and  be- 
fore the  ladies  were  aware  of  it,  they  had  an  or- 
ganized Sunday-school.  Books  were  received  from 
the  North,  which  contained  a  form  of  pra3^er,  for 
opening  and  closing,  with  hymns  set  to  music,  in 
which  Miss  Templeton  took  the  lead.  They  used 
no  instrument,   but  there  were   good   voices   that 


228  BOND    AND    FREE. 

joined  heartily  in  singing,  adding  greatly  to  the  in- 
terest in  worship. 

By  some  means,  a  clergyman,  at  the  head  of 
evangelical  work  in  Virginia,  had  heard  of  what 
was  being  done  in  one  corner  of  the  diocese,  and  a 
letter  was  received  from  him,  announcing  his  in- 
tention to  visit  the  place. 

Both  ladies  were  rejoiced  to  know  that  their  ef- 
forts were  recognized,  and  joined  in  extending  a 
welcome  to  the  expected  visitor. 

"Om*  governess  was  a  member  of  the  church," 
said  Miss  Templeton,  "and  her  brother  was  a  cler- 
gyman. He  occasionally  visited  his  sister,  while 
she  was  engaged  in  teaching  us,  and  we  were  all 
baptised  by  him.  I  have  several  times  attended 
public  worship  with  father  in  Charleston  and  Sa- 
vannah, when  too  young  to  remember  much  about 
it.  During  mv  stay  in  Connecticut,  I  attended 
regularly,  and  enjoyed  it  exceedingly." 

"It  seems  strange  to  one  who  has  always  been 
accustomed  to  attend  public  worship  .from  early 
childhood,  to  realize  a  deprivation  of  the  privilege," 
said  Miss  Lintner.  "When  I  went  to  Mulberry 
Grove,  that  was  my  first  real  want ;  and  here,  in  our 
Sunday-school,  it  seems  as  if  we  were  preparing 
for  the  services  of  an  authorized  clergyman,  who 
will  collect  the  people  and  accomplish  more  than 
we  can." 

"  There  are  several,"  said  Miss  Templeton, 
"  among  our  adults  who  would  gladly  be  baptized, 
and  many  more  children,  whose  parents  would  de- 


PEACE.  229 

sire  it  for  them  ;  Col.  Lemar's  children  have  not 
been  baptized." 

''  And  you,  m}'  dear  Miss  Letitia,  have  never  re- 
newed vour  baptismal  vows  in  the  rite  of  confirma- 
tion." 

"  And  I  must  confess  not  to  have  given  it  much 
thought.  Have  you  any  books  that  treat  upon  the 
subject?  " 

"  I  have  one  or  two  small  pamphlets,  but  little  is 
contained  in  their  pages,  except  explanations  of 
what  is  found  in  the  Bible  and  prayer  book.  They 
may  be  of  some  aid  to  vou." 

"Thank  you,  I  shall  be  glad  to  borrow  them, 
and  may  be  obliged  to  call  upon  you  for  light  when 
it  seems  dark." 

"  Do  so,  I  will  aid  you  with  pleasure.  And  we 
must  take  the  subject  of  baptism  for  our  daily  les- 
sons in  the  morning,  as  well  as  on  Sunday,  that 
as  many  as  can  be  prepared  may  lose  no  time." 

"  It  is  a  pity  that  the  Bishop  can  do  nothing  for 
yoti^  at  this  visit,"  said  Miss  Templeton,  looking 
archly  into  the  face  of  her  friend.  "  Can  you  not 
persuade  the  Colonel  to  expedite  matters  a  little, 
and  let  the  ceremon}^  be  performed  at  the  same 
time?" 

"Ah,  no;  not  b}^  am'  means,"  answered  Miss 
Lintner,  blushing.  "  That  would  debar  me  from  a 
visit  to  my  old  home,  relatives  and  friends." 

In  the  midst  of  the  Spring  planting,  came  the 
Bishop  on  his  errand  of  mercy  and  love,  hoping, 
trusting,  and  laboring  to  collect  into  the  fold  the 
lost,  scattered,  and  wounded  sheep.     From  citv  to 


230  BOND    AND    FREE.  '' 

citv,  from  village  to  village,  from  house  to  house, 
he  sought  to  gather  up  his  people.  Did  not  his 
heart  faint  at  the  sight  of  a  little  church  here  and 
there,  with  a  door  broken  oft'  its  hinges,  and  mark- 
ed by  the  battle  ax,  its  windows  shattered,  and  its 
altars  desecrated?  The  little  flock  that  had  as- 
sembled within  its  walls  for  worship  were — where? 

Echo  answered,  "Where."  He  looked  within, 
where  worshipers  had  joined  ;  upon  the  benches 
were  dark  stains,  telling  the  stor^^  of  blood  ;  upon 
the  floor,  evidence  that  horses  had  been  stabled 
there.  From  under  the  sills  the  fox  and  the  rab- 
bit darted  out,  alarmed  at  the  sound  of  man's  foot- 
step. Well  might  he  say,  "The  boar  out  of  the 
wood  doth  waste  it,  and  the  wild  beast  of  the  field 
devour  it.  Return,  we  beseech  thee,  O,  God  of 
hosts,  look  down  from  Heaven  and  behold  and 
visit  this  vine  and  the  vineyard  which  thy  right 
hand  hath  planted  and  the  branch  that  thou  madest 
strong  for  th^'self." 

Perhaps  it  was  an  encouragement  to  discover 
an  oasis,  however  small,  in  the  region  made  deso- 
late by  the  ravages  of  war.  The  man  who  could, 
with  dignified  bearing,  do  honor  to  a  cathedral 
and  fill  its  arches  with  the  clear,  distinct  tones  of 
his  voice  ;  who  could  match  the  reasoning  of  great 
minds,  could  also  stand  in  a  little  log  school- 
house  filled  with  blacks  and  a  few  of  the  humblest 
of  God's  sin-smitten  people,  and  point  the  way 
leading  to  the  fountain  of  life,  to  the  waters  that 
could  wash  them  "  whiter  than  snow.''  He  could 
show  to  the  most  ignorant  among  his  hearers,  that 


PEACE.  231 

baptism  was  a  fulfillment  of  the  Saviour's  com- 
mand, a  rite  whereby  men  are  received  into  Christ's 
flock  and  ranked  with  those  who  are  not  ashamed 
to  confess  their  faith  in  a  crucified  Master,  a  rite 
wherein  thev  pledge  themselves  to  fight  under  His 
banner  against  the  world,  the  flesh  and  the  devil. 
True  missionarv  as  he  was,  he  could  relish  plain 
fare  shared  at  the  table  of  a  back-woodsman. 

The  number  presented  for  baptism  was  a  sur- 
prise and  gratification  to  him.  He  could  scarcely 
realize  that  in  a  spot  so  remote  from  religious  priv- 
ileges, there  should  be  a  field  ripened  for  the  sickle. 

In  confirmation  Miss  Templeton  was  not  alone  ; 
Madison  and  two  others  presented  themselves.  At 
the  renewal  of  their  baptismal  vows,  the  hands  of 
the  Bishop  passed  from  mistress  to  servants  while 
he  invoked  the  aid  of  divine  grace,  that  they  might 
continue  God's  children  forever,  and  "  daily  in- 
crease in  His  Holy  Spirit  more  and  more  ;"  mistress 
and  servants  knelt  side  by  side  as  joint  heirs  to  the 
kingdom  of  Heaven. 

The  stay  of  the  Bishop  was  prolonged,  that  he 
might  visit  the  fatherless  and  the  widows  ;  that  he 
might  encourage  those  who  ''beat  their  swords 
into  plow  shares,  and  their  spears  into  pruning 
hooks." 

He  made  inquiries  as  to  the  method  adopted  by 
Miss  Templeton  in  improving  the  condition  of  the 
blacks,  and  encouraged  her  to  continue  her  efforts . 

"  I  would  be  glad,"  said  he,  "  if  I  could  send  a 
missionary  here,  where  you  have  made  so  noble  a 
beginning,  but  it  is  impossible  at  present.     There 


232  BOND    AND    FREE. 

are  few  available  men,  and  our  resources  are  very 
limited.  Do  not  relax  ^^our  labor,  and  after  a  time 
we  mav  hope  to  supplv  vou.  I  shall  visit  you  on 
m}^  next  tour  through  the  diocese." 

"Miss  Letitia,  I  just  want  to  know  what  all  I 
had  better  go  into.  Here's  Harry,  Terence, 
Thomas  and  Robinson,  all  wid  their  own  ground, 
an'  pears  like,  I've  been  knockin'  'round  an'  got 
nothin'.  I  don't  'low  to  complain,  since  Terence 
makes  good  crops  ;  but  'pears  like  I  want  to  do 
something  myself.  Don't  reckon  I'd  git  'long  wid 
a  farm.  What  do  you  think  'bout  turnin'  preacher 
or  keepin'  a  tabern?  " 

Madison  still  retained  his  fancv  for  horses,  and 
from  earh^  impressions  persisted  in  calling  a  stable 
a  "tabern." 

"Yes,  Madison,  I  have  been  expecting  3^ou 
would  want  to  slip  into  something,  since  Terence, 
3^our  partner,  is  established.  So  you  think  you 
might  be  a  preacher — that  mav  do — but  it  is  my 
impression  that  3^ou  would  have  to  devote  consid- 
drable  time  to  study,  first.  As  to  the  tavern  busi- 
ness, our  settlement  will  hardly  support  it  yet. 
There  is  one  thing,  I  think  vou  can  do,  that  has 
been  suggested  to  my  mind.  A  lady  sent  to  me 
last  week,  from  ten  miles  distant,  to  get  a  spool  of 
cotton  and  two  needles.  I  do  not  suppose  there 
has  been  a  bolt  of  muslin  or  calico  brought  into 
this  county  for  more  than  two  vears ;  needles, 
thread,  pins,  and  man}^  other  articles  are  much 
needed.     Since  G —  was   burned,  the  want   of  a 


PEACE.  233 

post-office  was  such  that  Mr.  Grovener  has  had  one 
established  here,  for  our  own  convenience.  I  have 
been  thinking  if  you  will  put  up  a  cabin  down  on 
the  road,  by  the  two  elms,  it  will  be  a  good  place 
to  open  a  store,  and  keep  the  mail  for  the  neighbor- 
hood. You  can  get  some  of  the  boys  to  help  about 
raising  the  logs  ;  most  of  the  work  }'0u  can  do  your- 
self, and  save  your  mone}^  to  buy  goods." 

Madison  studied  over  the  question  a  few  mo- 
ments, and  said.  "  Tobacco 'd  sell,  an'  coffee;  I 
think  rd  like  that  kind  of  business,  miss  ;  I  know 
how  to  count  monev,  and  make  change.  Wher'll 
I  get  the  things  to  sell?" 

'*  Send  vour  monev  to  brother  Oscar,  with  a 
memorandum  of  such  articles  as  would  be  salable 
here.  He  will  go  to  some  dealer  and  order  the 
goods." 

"  I  see,  I  see,  miss.  Do  you  reckon  I  could  'tend 
to  the  horses  and  mules  like  I've  been  doing,  and 
'tend  to  the  store  too?" 

"  For  a  while,  at  least,  you  can,  Madison.  It 
will  take  some  time  before  the  goods  arrive,  mean- 
while, 3''ou  can  select  the  site,  and  have  your  store 
ready.  You  will  be  obliged  to  bu}'  some  sawed 
lumber  for  the  doors,  floor  and  windows,  which  you 
will  not  be  able  to  get,  without  sending  to  Nor- 
folk." 

"  Yes,  miss  ;  I  can  hew  out  the  logs,  and  haul 
^em  down  so  as  to  get  some  of  the  boys  to  help  on 
the  raisin,'  '  fore  they  gets  into  plowin.'  Mr.  Far- 
Avell's  done  got  back  ;  if  his  old  saw  mill  was  run- 


234  BOND    AND    FREE. 

nin  ',  we  could  get  him  to  saw  us  some  plank  :  but 
I  don't  reckon  it's  an}^  'count  now." 

Mr.  Farwell  owned  a  farm  on  the  road  to  G , 

through  which  flowed  a  tributary'  aftbrding,  during- 
a  part  of  the  year,  sufficient  water  power  to  turn  a 
wheel.  Previous  to  the  time  when  that  gentleman 
absented  himself  to  enlist  as  a  Confederate  soldier, 
tl"fc  mill  had  not  onh'  earned  a  considerable  income, 
but  had  been  a  great  convenience  to  the  communi- 
ty, preventing  the  necessity  of  shipping  small  lots  of 
lumber  from  a  considerable  distance. 

After  the  defeat  of  the  cause  Mr.  Farwell  had 
maintained,  he  returned  to  his  home  with  a  deter- 
mination to  resume  his  duties  there.  Two  sons 
had  fallen  in  the  conflict,  all  his  able-bodied  hands 
were  gone,  his  house  had  been  destroved  by  fire 
with  the  kitchen  and  adjacent  outbuildings  ;  his 
wife  and  children  had  taken  possession  of  the  saw- 
mill and  a  cabin  near  it,  w^hich  had  escaped  de- 
struction. Where,  a  few  years  before,  had  been, 
broad  fields  of  grain,  grassy  slopes  and  shady  pas- 
tures with  herds  of  sleek  cattle  feeding,  was  deso- 
lation ;  underbrush  in  the  forest,  brambles  in  the 
fields,  fences  thrown  down  or  entirely  carried  ofl'. 
Mr.  Farwell's  plantation  presented  the  same  dis- 
couraging prospects  to  the  owner  as  those  of  many 
others  who  had  gone  oft'  and  left  them  without 
proper  attention. 

In  the  days  of  their  prosperity,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Farwell  had  rolled  past  in  their  carriage,  with 
driver  and  footman,  disdaining  to  recognize  a 
famih^   of  children  through   whose   veins   run  the 


PEACE.  235 

blood  of  a  servile  race.  Perhaps  it  was  for  her 
own  children's  sake,  that  Mrs.  Farwell  accepted 
corn  from  one  of  those  whom  she  had  refused  to 
know  ;  had  ground  it  with  her  own  hands,  and 
baked  of  it  a  cake  in  the  ashes. 

War  carries  both  fire  and  the  sword,  leveling" 
high  places.  Pride  experienced  a  fall  in  many  a 
home ;  Letitia  Templeton's  day  of  humiliation 
when  she  was  sold  into  slaverv,  and  her  encounter 
with  adversity,  had  passed  ;  with  faith  and  trust 
she  accepted  the  work  for  which  she  had  been  dis- 
ciplined, and  did  her  best  to  accomplish  it. 

Mr.  Farwell,  after  his  return  from  the  war,  called 
upon  Miss  Templeton  for  the  first  time,  and,  apol- 
ogizing for  so  doing,  asked  the  privilege  of  investi- 
gating her  successful  system  of  farming.  She 
received  him  kindly  and  gave  satisfactory  infor- 
mation. 

"  I  can  do  but  little  on  my  place  this  year,"  said 
he,  "  it  is  too  late  for  an3'thing,  unless  I  can  plant 
some  corn,  and  I  have  neither  seed  nor  teams  for 
that." 

"  My  hands  have  about  done  planting,  sir,"  said 
^Nliss  Templeton,  "if  you  would  like  to  have  a 
pair  of  mules,  I  can  lend  them  ;  also  some  seed 
corn." 

"  Thank  you  miss,  it  will  confer  a  great  favor  ;  I 
will  be  happy  to  avail  myself  of  your  kindness." 

"Is  it  not  your  intention  to  get  your  saw-mill  in 
order,  Mr.  Farwell?  There  will  be  great  demand 
for  building  material,  as  soon  as  people  have  the 
means  with  which  to  purchase.     We  are  in  need 


2^6  BOND    AND    FREE. 

of  lumber  and  must  get  it  from  Norfolk,  and  haul 
it  from  the  river,  unless  you  get  your  mill  in  run- 
ning order.*' 

"Need  of  lumber,  I  know  there  is  ;  but  the  mill 
requires  repairs,  the  saw  is  rusted  out  completely, 
and  the  wheel  a  good  deal  rotted." 

"Don't  3^ou  think  it  could  be  mended,  if  you  can 
:get  a  new  saw?  " 

"Maybe  so,  but  I  have  not  the  means  to  buy 
•one." 

"  If  3^ou  will  write  down  a  description  of  the  ar- 
ticle you  need,  I  .will  order  it  immediateh^  to  be 
sent  with  the  goods  for  w^hich  we  have  already 
written.  Don't  speak  of  the  monev,  sir  ;  it  is  no 
trouble.  The  accommodation  of  getting  lumber  so 
near,  will  place  the  obligation  on  our  part,  and  the 
bill  can  be  arranged  afterward.  It  will  afford  me 
pleasure  to  furnish  an3'thing  I  can  loan  to  a  neigh- 
bor.    You  will  soon  be  able  to  make  up  lost  time." 

Mr.  Farwell  returned  home  with  a  lighter  heart 
than  he  had  felt  in  man}^  days.  After  telling  his 
wife  of  his  kind  reception  by  Miss  Templeton,  and 
her  offer,  one  of  the  children  said  : 

"And  what  do  you  think.  Papa,  JNIiss  Lintner 
came  over  here  herself,  and  asked  us  to  go  to  school, 
and  Mamma  would  not  let  us  gfo." 

"Why  not,  my  dear?" 

"I  don't  know.  The  young  lady  said  we  need 
not  be  taught  with  negroes,  either  ;  we  could  go  and 
study  with  the  little  girl,  Minnie  Lemar." 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


HOME     AGAIN, 


By  the  side  of  the  pubHc  road,  where  the  shad- 
ows of  the  great  elms  reached,  Madison  built  a 
little  store.  Trees  were  felled  b}^  his  axe,  and 
hewed  the  desired  dimensions.  Log  after  log  was 
brought  to  its  proper  place,  till  the  eye  of  the  builder 
pronounced  the  walls  sufficiently  high.  Saplings, 
straight  as  a  line,  were  selected  for  rafters,  and 
stripped  of  bark.  The  same  hands  found  trees, 
whose  smooth  grain  favored  the  work,  and  split 
shingles  for  the  roof.  Openings  were  cut  for  doors 
at  either  end,  for  windows  in  front  and  at  the  sides. 
From  a  bed  of  clay  upon  the  hill  side,  was  made  a 
plaster  with  which  to  fill  the  chinks.  For  the 
chimney  there  were  no  bricks  ;  but,  from  the  same- 
inexhaustible  source,  a  frame-work  of  sticks  was 
plastered  within  and  without. 

The  work  had  progressed  thus  far,  w^hen  all  was 
brought  to  a  stand  by  the  non-arrival  of  the  saw, 
and  consequent  want  of  lumber. 

Madison  went  to  consult  his  mistress,  as  was  his 
habit  before  taking  any  step  in  business  matters,, 
with  a  little  more  embarrassment  than  usual. 


238  BOND    AND    FREE. 

"Miss  Letitia,  I's  been  speakin'  \vi'  Sarah  'bout 
gettin'  married  when  we  gets  the  store  fixed  ;  an' 
'pears  hke  de  saw  is  good  w'ile  comin',  so  I's 
speakin'  'bout  not  waitin'  no  longer,  but  jes  get 
married  anyhow." 

"  I  supposed  3'ou  were  making  some  such  calcu- 
lations, Madison,  and  you  wish  me  to  understand 
you  are  becoming  impatient. 

"  You  know  the  goods  were  to  be  shipped  b}^  a 
sailing  vessel,  because  the  expense  would  be  con- 
siderably less  than  if  sent  through  b}'  land.  Had 
they  not  been  delayed  by  contrary  winds,  thev 
would  have  been  here  before  this  ;  but  I  can  see  no 
reason  why  you  should  wait,  if  3'ou  and  Sarah  can 
agree  to  do  without  the  articles  of  clothing  3-ou  de- 
sired for  the  occasion." 

"Just  so,  I  'lowed  we  could  make  out,  an'  Miss 
Grace  says  she'll  fix  up  Sarah,  so  we  needn't  wait ; 
if  we  can  get  some  one  to  do  my  work  a  Thursday', 
an'  Sarah's,  we  'lowed  to  go  to  the  'Squire." 

"  Ver}^  well,  Madison,  find  one  of  the.  boys 
willing  to  do  your  work  the  day  you  have  selected, 
and  I  will  see  that  a  substitute  is  provided  for  Sarah. 
It  is  best  to  have  the  aflair  over  before  the  goods 
come,  for  Mr.  Farwell  has  evervthing  in  readiness 
at  the  mill,  and  it  will  not  take  him  long  to  get  out 
the  lumber  after  the  saw  is  in  its  place.  You  will 
have  enough  to  do  marking  prices  on  ^^our  goods 
and  getting  read}'  to  make  sales." 

On  the  appointed  morning  the  bridegroom  ap- 
peared in  a  suit  presented  b}^  Col.  Lemar ;  a  nav}' 
blue  dress  coat,  white  vest  and  light  drab  pants. 


HOME    AGAIN.  239 

They  were  rather  short  and  tight  for  the  muscular 
proportions  of  the  wearer — a  fact  of  which  he  was 
entirely  unconscious — and  he  seemed  perfectly 
satisfied  by  the  added  effect  of  a  high  standing  col- 
lar and  sky  blue  neck  tie.  His  hair  was  usuall}^ 
worn  in  short  plaits,  but,  for  this  full  dress  occasion, 
they  were  unbraided,  well  greased  and  lay  in  one 
unbroken  mass,  upon  which  was  balanced,  with 
difficulty,  a  military-  hat. 

At  that  period  hoops  were  worn  of  an  unlimited 
circumference,  and  Sarah  had,  from  "  the  branch," 
procured  green-briar  vines,  and  manvifactured  an 
apparatus  to  inflate  her  drapery  to  the  standard  laid 
•down  by  fashion. 

Miss  Lintner  made  her  happy,  with  a  white  tar- 
letan  dress  that  had  done  service  upon  festive  oc- 
casions in  the  North,  and  Sarah  was  arrayed  in  a 
style  that  did  not  deteriorate  from  her  preposessing 
beauty  in  the  estimation  of  her  sable  lover.  Wide, 
full  sleeves,  open  to  the  shoulder,  upon  which  were 
pinned  cheny  colored  bows  of  ribbon,  harmonized 
with  the  brilliant  colored  bandanna  turban,  which 
Aunt  Dinah  loaned,  and  tied  with  great  precision. 

The  same  instinct  that  induces  ladies  to  bestow  a 
large  amount  of  time  and  mone}'  upon  the  selec- 
tion of  head  attire,  prompted  Aunt  Dinah  to  dis- 
play her  taste  and  ingenuity  in  decorating  her  own 
head.  An  indulgent  mistress,  humoring  her  weak- 
ness, had  from  time  to  time  increased  her  store  of 
turbans,  which  she  was  equally  liberal  in  loaning 
to  her  fellow  servants,  claiming  the  privilege  of  ex- 
hibiting her  skill  in  their  arrangement. 


240  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Madison  assisted  in  seating  his  ladv-love  upon  as 
fine  a  mule  as  ever  hauled  a  plow  ;  and  springing, 
with  his  usual  agility,  upon  the  back  of  another, 
the  happy  couple  rode  off  for  the  residence  of  Es- 
quire Bruner  to  plight  their  troth. 

x\t  night  there  was  a  dance,  and  a  supper.  A 
fatted  calf  was  barbecued,  and  Aunt  Dinah  had  a 
knack  of  producing  a  variety  of  dishes,  by  differ- 
ent compounds  of  the  same  materials.  No  one  ob- 
served a  lack  of  delicacies,  when  there  was  an 
abundance  of  substantials. 

Uncle  Dan  seated  himself  upon  the  grass-cov- 
ered roots  of  an  old  oak,  and  picked  away  upon  his 
banjo,  w^ith  his  toughened,  awl-pricked  fingers, 
keeping  time  for  the  dancers,  who  threw  off  their 
shoes,  and  obeyed  the  call  to  ''forward  an'  back," 
''cross  over,"  "hands  all  'round,"  or  "down  the 
middle." 

Thus,  out  on  the  grass  near  their  quarters,  they 
ate,  shouted,  and  danced  the  night  away ;  Uncle 
Dan's  fingers  playing  the  same  strain,  whether  he 
nodded  or  w^hether  he  waked  ;  tired  no  doubt,  but 
infinitely  happy  in  feeling  that  his  beloved  instru- 
ment was  appreciated  by  the  merry  crowd. 

Dawn  was  just  heralding,  above  the  eastern  hor- 
izon, the  light  of  day,  when  Miss  Templeton  sound- 
ed the  bell,  and  bade  all  to  retire. 

After  the  destruction  of  the  village  by  fire,  Mr. 
Bruner  had  occupied  a  room  at  his  farm  house  as 
an  office,  and  continued  to  serve  his  neighbors 
when  called  upon  for  legal  counsel,  and  other  du- 


HOME    AGAIN.  24 1 

ties  embraced  in  the  power  delegated  to  an  attor- 
ney-at-la\v  and  justice  of  the  peace. 

He  had  succeded  to  the  agency  of  the  business 
affairs  of  Rev.  George  Melburn,  without  having 
any  personal  acquaintance  with  that  gentleman, 
and  w^as  taken  by  surprise,  when,. one  morning,  he 
entered  the  office  and  introduced  himself. 

For  awhile  they  talked  over  changes  that  had  oc- 
curred in  the  neighborhood,  the  effects  of  war,  and 
state  of  the  country. 

"Reports  of  the  deplorable  condition^  of  so- 
ciety," said  Mr.  Melburn,  "reached  me  at  the 
Station,  through  journals  received  from  America, 
and  I  decided  to  return  and  transfer  my  missionary 
efforts  to  my  native  State.  I  shall  remain  at  the 
old  plantation  to  rest,  and  may  investigate  other 
districts." 

"You  will  tind  a  missionary  at  work  in  this  vi- 
cinity," said  Mr.  Bruner,  "but  one  who,  I  think, 
would  be  glad  to  abandon  the  field,  in  favor  of  a 
more  experienced  person." 

"  I  am  happy  to  hear  that  the  ground  is  occu- 
pied ;  I  must  try  to  find  a  horse,  and  ride  out," 
said  Mr.  Melburn,  rising  to  leave. 

"  It  will  afford  me  pleasure  to  accompany  you, 
sir ;  pray,  be  seated.  I  will  order  horses  to  be 
brought." 

Mr.  Bruner  had  respected  Miss  Templeton's  re- 
quest, and  while  Mr.  Melburn  had  been  informed 
of  Mr.  Grigg's  resignation,  he  w^as  still  in  '^ignor- 
ance as  to  the  person  then  in  charge.     The  attor- 

nev's  fondness  for  humor,  and  curiosity  to  observe 
16 


242  BOND    AND    FREE. 

the  effect  of  the  discovery  that  a  lady  was  supervis- 
ing the  estate,  ma}'  have  been  one  motive  that 
induced  him  to  be  present  at  the  denouemeni , 

''You  must  be  prepared  for  some  changes  at 
3^our  place,"  said  Mr.  Bruner,  as  the}^  rode  along. 

"  I  expect  it,  although  you  have  conve3'ed  the 
impression  that  m\^  old  servants,  or  most  of  them, 
remained.  This,  if  I  remember  rightly,  is  the  old 
Grovener  place,  but  it  does  not  look  familiar." 

*'  It  was  formerl}^  owned  b}'  Mr.  Grovener.  He 
sold  out  last  Spring,  and  resides  in  Washington. 
His  wife  and  daughter  are  dead,  and  he  was  so  un- 
happ^Miere  that  he  did  not  wish  to  remain.  His 
dwelling  was  burned  during  the  war." 

"And  this  property  belonged  to  Capt.  Temple- 
ton.  I  remember  hearing  of  his  decease  soon  after 
I  went  abroad.  Ah  !  here  is  a  little  store,  I  see  by 
the  plow  at  the  door  and  display  of  goods  in  the 
window.  Has  this  passed  into  the  hands  of  stran- 
gers." 

"  Oh,  no,  it  is  still  in  the  family.  Here  is  a  good 
place  to  water  our  horses,"  said  Mr.  Bruner,  as 
they  had  instinctively  turned  toward  an  excavated 
log,  into  which  trickled  the  cool  water  of  a  spring, 
led  thither  bv  a  spout. 

"These  elms  are  an  old  landmark,"  said  Mr. 
Melburn,  looking  into  the  shady  branches  over- 
head. "  I  have  stopped  here  man}-  a  time  to  crack 
nuts  and  sip  from  the  spring  up  on  the  hill  side." 

"  This  store  is  kept  by  one  of  Capt.  Templeton's 
old  servants  ;  that  cabin  is  where  he  lives.  He  must 
do  considerable  business  :  and  has   charge  of  the 


HOME    AGAIN.  243 

post-office.  Do  you  see  that  log  building  across 
the  field,  b}^  the  corner  of  the  grove  yonder?  That 
is  the  only  school-house  I  know  of  in  this  county, 
and  is  the  missionar\^  station  to  which  I  made 
reference." 

"Is  it  possible?  Is. there  public  worship  every 
Sunday?" 

"There  is  a  flourishing  Sunday-school  held 
w^eekh^  and  I  am  told  the  da}'  school  has  a  large 
attendance." 

"  Glad  to  hear  it :  glad  to  hear  that  our  county 
is  not  entirely  demoralized  ;  that  she  is  still  \ojr\  to 
advancement  and  encourages  education." 

Mr.  Melburn's  return  to  Oak  Lawn  caused  him 
to  reflect  upon  the  past,  and  to  realize  that  he  stood 
once  more  on  his  own  s^round. 

The  house,  which  had  been  stripped  of  the 
greater  part  of  the  furniture  when  Mr.  Grigg  left, 
did  not  appear  inviting,  still ;  as  the  home  of  his 
boyhood,  it  was  dear,  and  he  expressed  an  inten- 
tion to  remain,  and  send  a  wagon  for  his  trunk. 

"You  can  not  stay  here,"  said  Mr.  Bruner, 
"till  you  can  be  made  comfortable.  If  you  insist 
upon  being  nearer  than  m}^  house,  come  over  to 
Temple  Vale  ;  we  are  all  used  to  hospitality  and 
have  no  need  of  hotels  and  boarding  houses.  I 
think  3'ou  can  find  a  room,  and  a  hostess  who  can 
aid  in  preparing  your  house  for  a  bachelor's  hall." 
Seeing  Mr.  Melburn  hesitate  to  accede  to  the  pro- 
position, he  continued,  "I  think  you  will  find  it 
to  your  advantage,  since  3'our  present  overseer  is 
there." 


244  BOND    AND    FREE. 

"  Indeed,"  said  Mr.  Melburn,  "then  I  will  go, 
since  I  must  make  his  acquaintance." 

Following  the  path  made  by  frequently  passing 
back  and  forth,  the  gentlemen  reached  Miss  Tem- 
pleton's  3^ard  in  a  short  time.  Giving  their  horses 
into  the  charge  of  a  boy,  they  ascended  the  steps 
and  seated  themselves  upon  the  veranda  to  await 
the  appearance  of  the  hostess. 

Miss  Templeton  came  Torward,  clad  in  a  neat 
white  linen  dress,  fastened  at  the  throat  with  a 
gold  pin,  and  no  ornaments  except  a  spray  of 
forget-me-not  in  her  hair.  Extending  her  hand 
cordially  to  Mr.  Bruner,  she  bowed  toward  Mr. 
Melburn  as  if  expecting  an  introduction,  not  recog- 
nizing him  at  hrst  glance. 

"  Seems  to  me,  you  are  rather  cool  to  an  old 
neighbor,  Miss  Letitia :  do  you  not  remember  this 
gentleman?  Mr.  Melburn,  beg  3^our  pardon,  allow 
me  to  introduce  your  overseer.  Miss  Letitia  Tem- 
pleton." 

The  confusion  on  both  sides  was  indescribable, 
and  not  understood  by  Mr.  Bruner,  who,  however, 
seemed  to  enjoy  it. 

"  Shake  hands — that  is  the  wa}^  we  do  in  this 
country.  Pardon  him.  Miss  Letitia,  he  has  faced 
barbarians  for  so  many  years,  that  he  is  as  bashful 
as  a  school  boy  in  meeting  a  civilized  lad}^.  Be 
seated,  be  seated  ;  you  can  talk  over  old  times  when 
I  am  gone,  and  remember  I  have  kept  the  secret. 
Mr.  Melburn,  she  made  me  promise  not  to  tell  you 
that  she  was  overseeing  your  place.  I  do  not  see 
that  it  can  be  kept  anj^  longer  ;  so,  after  I  leave,  you 


HOME    AGAIN.  245 

can  quarrel  about  it.  By  the  way,  perhaps,  as  he 
is  so  bashful,  I  may  as  well  make  known  his  errand 
this  evening.  He  is  determined  to  stay  at  his  home- 
stead, but  I  insisted  that  we  should  come  here  and 
get  you  to  keep  him,  till  he  has  his  'bachelor's 
hair  fitted  up." 

"I  shall  be  happ3^to  accommodate  Mr.  Melburn," 
said  Miss  Templeton,  ''if  he  desires  it.  Shall  I 
have  your  horse  put  up?  '" 

"Never  mind  the  horse,  it  is  mine,"  said  Mr. 
Bruner,  "I  will  lead  him  home." 

"Do  not  think  of  it,"  said  Miss  Templeton,  "one 
of  the  boys  will  ride  down,  and  returning,  can 
bring  anything  Mr.  Melburn  may  wish  to  have." 

"Thank  you.  Miss  Templeton  ;  if  my  valise  can 
be  brought  up,  it  will  be  a  favor." 

The  next  morning  being  Sunda}',  Miss  Temple- 
ton invited  her  guest  to  take  a  part  in  the  exercises 
at  the  school-house. 

"I  hope  you  will  be  disposed  to  overlook  defi- 
ciencies in  our  efforts  to  impart  instruction,  since 
we  have  no  leader,  and  onlv  work  up  to  the  extent 
of  our  abilities." 

"  I  understood  from  Mr.  Bruner,  that  there  was 
a  missionary-  in  charge  of  this  station." 

"  Mr.  Bruner,  as  you  observed,  is  disposed  to 
jest.  There  has  been  a  ladv  here.  Miss  Lintner, 
who  was  a  useful  teacher,  but  she  laid  no  claims  to 
be  called  a  missionary.  The  Bishop  spent  a  few 
days  with  us — there  is  work  enough  to  be  done  ; 
but  he  says,  '  the  demands  of  the  diocese  are  so 
great,  and  resources  so  limited,  that  he  can  give  no 


246  BOND    AND    FREE. 

encouragement  of  being  able  to  provide  us  with  a 
clergyman  at  present.'  " 

The  little  building  was,  as  usual  upon  pleasant 
days,  so  crowded  that  the  benches  were  placed 
around  under  the  shade  of  the  little  thicket,  which 
had  been  purposely  cleared  of  underbrush,  and  the 
audience  impressed  Mr.  Melburn  with  the  con- 
viction that  it  was  not  necessary  to  cross  the  seas, 
or  even  go  far  from  his  own  home,  in  search  of 
a  harvest  for  the  Master's  sickle.  Without  famity 
ties  he  had  been  out  in  the  wide  world,  and,  upon 
returning,  the  fact  that  some  one  had  cared  for 
his  interests  while  absent,  rekindled  the  hope  that 
some  one  might  continue  to  care  for  him  when 
present. 

Mr.  Melburn  led  the  opening  exercises,  and  the 
school  proceeded  with  lessons  as  usual. 

Miss  Templeton  had  been  in  the  habit  of  receiv- 
ing from  her  brother  Oscar,  by  mail,  papers  and 
lessons  for  the  use  of  the  pupils,  containing  texts 
in  explanation  of  selected  topics. 

The  lesson  for  the  day,  given  out  the  preceding 
Sunday,  was  the  vision  of  St.  Peter,  found  in  the 
tenth  chapter  of  Acts.  Mr.  Melburn' s  elucidation 
of  the  subject  was  forcible,  closing  with  the  words 
of  the  Apostle,  "  Of  a  truth,  I  perceive  that  God  is 
no  respecter  of  persons  ;  but  in  every  nation  he 
that  feareth  him,  and  worketh  righteousness,  is  ac- 
cepted with  him." 

During  the  week,  Mr.  Melburn  succeeded  in 
purchasing  a  horse,  and  in  ordering  from  Norfolk 
furniture  for  his  apartments.     Letters  were  written 


HOME    AGAIN.  247 

to  the  higher  powers  ;  and,  in  due  time,  Rev. 
George  Melburn  was  settled  as  pastor  over  the 
church  in  his  own  countv. 

Information  spread  through  the  county  that  a 
post-office  and  store  were  estabhshed  at  Temple 
Vale.  Customers  came  from  a  distance,  to  make 
purchases  and  receive  mails,  so  that  it  was  soon 
found  necessary-  to  replenish  the  stock  of  goods. 

The  hum  of  Mr.  Farwell's  mill-wheel  could  be 
heard,  and  many  were  looking  forward  to  the  sale 
of  crops  for  means  to  rebuild  or  improve  their 
homes. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII, 


SUPERVISION. 


"  Miss  'Titia,  Mammy  says,  wont  vou  please, 
Miss,  come  ober  'n  see  Uncle  Simon  :  he's  awful 
bad  to-day.  An'  she  says,  please  Miss,  bring  some 
med'cine  fur  de  baby  ;  she's  got  de  colic." 

"  Tell  3^our  Mammy  I  will  come  directly.  You 
needn't  wait  for  me  ;  go  right  home  and  wait  on 
Uncle  Simon." 

The  servants  upon  the  three  plantations  had  not 
forgotten  their  accustomed  dependence  upon  a 
mistress,  and  especially  in  want  or  sickness,  ap- 
pealed to  Miss  Templeton,  and  never  in  vain.  In 
heat  or  cold  she  was  accustomed  to  obey  calls,  and 
render  service  to  these  dependent  people.  The 
intirm  and  helpless  relied  upon  her  bountv  for  a 
maintenance,  as  in  time  of  slavery,  and  from  her 
hand  received  food  and  clothing. 

After  sending  out  an  order  to  have  Fleetfoot 
saddled,  she  selected  a  key  from  a  large  bunch, 
and  unlocked  the  door  of  the  storeroom.  Plac- 
ing a  napkin  in  a  basket,  she  laid  into  it  a  loaf 
of  light  bread,  some  eggs,  a  pair  of  dressed  chick- 
ens, and  a  cup  of  jelly.     Covering  them  carefully. 


SUPERVISION.  249 

she  went  to  the  medicine  chest,  from  which  she 
took  a  bottle  of  liniment,  also  one  labeled,  "  Chol- 
era Mixture,"  and  placed  them  in  the  end  of  the 
basket. 

By  the  time  Fleetfoot  was  at  the  horse  block, 
she  was  ready,  and  a  boy,  who  attended  her  upon 
expeditions  of  this  kind,  took  the  basket,  mounted 
his  horse,  without  saddle  or  bridle,  and  followed. 

Stopping  at  a  vegetable  garden,  she  ordered  the 
boy  to  ali'ght  and  get  a  cabbage ;  then  passing 
down  the  avenue  to  the  public  road,  and  out  of  the 
gate,  on  to  the  mill,  she  halted  a  few  moments  and 
inquired  about  some  lumber  Mr.  Farwell  had  been 
sawing  for  her.  Handing  a  parcel  wrapped  in  a 
towel,  she  said  : 

"  Please  give  this  to  your  wife  ;.  she  made  so  late 
a  start  with  her  poultr3\  that  her  chickens  must  be 
too  small  for  use,  3^et.  Be  careful,  please,  not  to 
drop  out  that  loaf  of  light  bread.  I  thought  Mrs. 
Farwell  would  enjoy  it,  as  she  tells  me  she  does 
not  succeed  well  in  making  it.  No  thanks  ;  you 
are  quite  welcome.     Good  morning,  sir." 

Mr.  Farwell  laid  the  parcel  down  upon  a  bench, 
while  he  turned  to  his  work  ;  and  whether  the  damp- 
ness wiped  from  his  eyes  with  a  shirt-sleeve,  was 
perspiration,  it  matters  not  to  us.  Leave  him  with 
his  own  trials,  and  follow  Miss  Templeton. 

''Trot  along,  Fleetfoot,  I  shall  have  to  call  3'ou 
*Slowfoot,'  now-a-da3^s,  you  are  getting  so  lazy. 
Here  we  are  at  last,  at  Uncle  Simon's." 

It  was  on  the  old  Grovener  estate,  a  little  weather- 
beaten    cabin,   where    Uncle   Simon  had  outlived 


250  BOND    AND    FREE. 

his  usefulness  as  a  farm  hand  :  and  scrofula,  that 
curse  of  a  pork-eating  people,  was  gnawing  his 
vitals. 

Propped  up  in  his  bed,  by  an  old  split-bottom 
chair,  made  easy  with  a  quilt  and  small  pillows, 
Uncle  Simon  sat,  looking  out  of  the  door,  when  Miss 
Templeton  rode  up.  His  bloodshot  eyes  seemed 
to  lose  their  dimness  as  he  welcomed  her  : 

''Bress  your  heart,  honey,  I  knowed  you'd  come  ; 
Mamm}',  yere,  lowed  you  wouldn't,  'cause  you's 
ober  tudder  day  ;  I's  gittin'  so  down-spirited,  sit- 
tin'  yere  all  day,  an'  all  night  han'  runnin',  'peared 
jis  like  I  want  to  look  at  you  an'  see  ^'^ou." 

''That  was  right.  Uncle  Simon,  I'm  not  so  very 
busy,  just  now,  and  will  tr}^  to  come  oftener  ;  and 
if  the  baby  is  sick,  she  needs  medicine.'' 

"Yes,  Miss,  she  crawls  out  under  the  trees,  an' 
eats  green  apples,"  said  Aunt  Milly. 

"I  have  brought  medicine,  but  you  must  keep 
her  in,  or  I  will  take  her  home  with  me  and  take 
care  of  her  ;  do  not  let  her  out  again,  as  long  as  the 
apples  are  falling." 

With  her  quiet  manners  and  few  words,  her  com- 
mands were  understood  as  imperative,  and  she  ex- 
pected no  further  trouble  from  the  same  cause. 

Mammy  was  examining  the  contents  of  the  bas- 
ket. 

"Eggs  and  fine  corn  flour;  just  what  Uncle 
Simon's  beggin'  for  dis  mornin' — he  wantsi  an  egg 
pone.  Wat's  dis  yere?"  holding  up  the  cup  of 
jelly,  "  reckon  dis  '11  sharpen  his  appetite — an'  a 
cabbage  too.     Thank   you,   miss ;    thank    you.      I 


SUPERVISION.  251 

'lowed  cabbage  's  headin'  up  in  your  garden  ;  our 
'n's  small  yet." 

Miss  Templeton  found  a  spoon,  and  administered 
a  dose  of  medicine  to  the  complaining  child.  Giv- 
ing the  bottle  into  Aunt  Milly's  charge,  with  direc- 
tions for  its  use,  she  renewed  Uncle  Simon's  sup- 
ply of  liniment. 

"  Is  you  got  your  Bible,  Miss  'Titia?"  said  Uncle 
Simon.  Seeing  his  mistress  take  it  out,  he  contin- 
ued, "  I'd  jus'  so  like  to  hear  dat  ar'  3'ou  read  tud- 
der  da}^,  'bout  who  all's  de  bressed."  Opening  her 
testament,  she  read  "  Christ's  sermon  upon  the 
Mount,"  to  which  both  Uncle  Simon  and  Aunt 
Milly  gave  attention. 

"  Bressed  are  de  pure  in  heart,"  he  repeated. 
"  Dem's  precious  words  ;  don't  make  no  difference 
how  brack  in  color,  how  d'seased,  an'  sore,  if  on'y 
de  heart  's  pure,  washed  wi'  Jesus'  blood  ;  dey  all 
shall  see  God  ;  dat's  a  mighty  comfort,  miss  ;  it 
-cures  me  to  hear  it,  least  I  done  forgits  de  pain." 

Returning  home,  she  led  the  w^ay  around  through 
the  fields  of  Robinson  and  Terence.  A  few  words 
in  favor  of  their  fine  corn,  encouraged  them  ;  for 
they  were  not  too  old  (and  who  is)  to  be  pleased 
with  praise. 

When  school  was  re-opened  for  the  fall  and  win- 
ter term,  Jane  assumed  the  entire  charge,  under 
the  supervision  of  the  rector  and  Miss  Templeton. 

From  a  letter  written  about  this  time,  we  make 
a  quotation  : 


252  BOND    AND    FREE. 

"  My  famih'  is  so  reduced  that  I  am  quite  lonely. 
Mr.  Melburn's  return  has  not  onl}-  relieved  me 
from  duties  at  Oak  Lawn,  but  the  responsibilities 
of  the  Sunday-school  are  not  so  great.  Every 
alternate  week  he  officiates  at  Compton,  and  is 
bringing  in  to  the  church  a  large  number,  who  are 
too  remote  to  attend  services  here. 

"Write  me  whether  Col.  Lemar  has  decided 
about  his  future  location  ;  there  are  some  valuable 
■estates  in  this  vicinity,  that  can  be  bought  at  low 
prices.  There  is  one  three  miles  distant,  which  is 
healthful  and  delightfully  located.  The  buildings 
and  fences  met  the  almost  universal  fate  ;  but  be- 
fore the  war,  it  was  considered  the  most  productive 
plantation  within  the  limits  of  our  observation. 

"  I  do  so  much  miss  you,  and  the  dear  children. 
If  Col.  Lemar  decides  to  remain  in  Washington, 
make  allowance  for  a  long  visit  here." 

"  Miss  Letitia,  I's  'bout  dissided  fur  ter  buy  some 
good  teams,  an'  carry  the  mail  myself,  from  de 
river  up  here,  an'  on  to  Compton,"  said  Madison. 

"  What  will  be  done  with  the  store  while  you  are 
absent?"  inquired  Miss  Templeton. 

"  Why,  I  'lowed  ter  sell  out  to  Uncle  Dan,  miss  ; 
the  boys  know  how  to  sell  goods,  an'  Uncle  Dan 
says  he  's  'most  too  old  to  keep  on  shoemaking  ;  he 
can  move  up  here,  an'  'ten  to  customers.  The 
boys  can  keep  on  their  trade,  an'  help  'bout  countin' 
money,  an'  makin'  change." 

"  Has  Uncle  Dan  means  to  buy  out  your  stock?  " 

"  He  thinks  so  ;  if  Jane  can  go  an'  help  us  count 


SUPERVISION.  253 

\ 

up  how  much  they  all  come  to,  we  '11  know  how 
'tis.     She's  a  good  hand  at  figuring." 

"  If  you  decide  to  carry  the  mail,  Madison,  you 
may  as  well  get  a  carriage  that  will  accommodate 
passengers.  There  is  considerable  passing  on  the 
road  now,  and  it  will  pay  you  better,  if  you  have  a 
sort  of  stage  line." 

"Yes,  miss,  it  might  so,  I  never  thought  'bout 
that.  Reckon  if  I  could  get  Mr.  Grovener's  old 
carriage,  it  could  be  fixed  up,  an'  do  very  well,  till 
the  business  gets  'stablished." 

"  How  are  you  progressmg,  Madison,  with  the 
reading  Mr.  Melburn  recommended?" 

"No  so  very  well,  miss  ;  there's  a  heap  I  can't 
make  out  an}^  sense  to.  Mr.  Melburn  was  'quirin' 
'bout  it,  an'  he  'vised  me  to  go  over  to  him,  w'en  I 
gits  bothered,  an'  he  will  'splain  it  to  me." 

"  Mr.  Melburn  thinks  you  will  be  able  to  preach 
to  your  own  people  ;  but  sa^^s  you  can  do  so  when 
opportunit}^  ofi:ers,  without  interfering  with  your 
business.  If  you  sell  the  store  and  drive  the  stage 
twice  a  week,  it  will  give  you  a  little  more  leisure 
for  study,  but  need  not  prevent  you  from  doing 
your  work." 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

THE    COAST    OFFLORIDA. 

Late  in  autumn,  Col.  Lemar  arrived  with  his 
famih%  having  resigned  his  commission,  intending 
to  find  a  plantation,  where  he  w^ould  make  a  per- 
manent home. 

The  children  expressed  their  joy  in  getting  back 
to  Temple  Vale.  Minnie  manifested  her  disgust 
with  traveling. 

**  It  is  a  dreadful  noisy  place  where  our  new 
mamma's  home  is,  for,  Cousin  Titia,  papa  says, 
'Miss  Lintner  is  our  mamma,  now.'  " 

"Miss  Lintner  is  our  mamma,"  echoed  Walter, 
"and  she's  going  to  live  with  us  always,  and  we 
are  so  glad  we've  got  her  away  from  the  big  noise 
and  the  big  hotels,  and  big  Washington,  to  our 
dear  old  home." 

"An'  to  Tousin  'Titia,  too — an'  me's  doin'  stay 
all  time,  be  Cousin  'Titia's  bab}',"  exclaimed  the 
youngest,  throwing  himself  into  Miss  Templeton's 
arms. 

"Yes,  and  you  will  all  stay  here,  and  not  let 
Cousin  'Titia  be  so  loneh%  will  you  not,  darlings?" 

Col.  Lemar  spent  some  time  in  looking  about. 


THE  COAST  OF  FLORIDA.  255 

and  finally  purchased  a  plantation,  a  few  miles  dis- 
tant ;  one  that  required  considerable  improvement 
to  make  it  a  desirable  place  of  residence. 

On  the  ground  were  mineral  springs,  said  to  pos- 
sess valuable  medicinal  qualities,  which,  previous 
to  the  war,  had  been  resorted  to  by  invalids  afflicted 
with  certain  maladies. 

"  We  ma}'  as  well,"  said  Col.  Lemar,  "•  build  a 
house  large  enough  to  accommodate  those  who 
ma}^  choose  to  trj-  the  virtue  of  the  water,  and  have 
the  springs  cleared  out,  so  as  to  be  attractive  and 
accessible.  If  we  exclude  ourselves  wholly,  I  am 
afraid  m}-  wife  will  be  lonely.  The  site  is  lovely, 
and  a  little  expense,  rightly  laid  out,  will  render  it 
quite  desirable." 

"  I  am  very  fortunate  in  consequence  of  your  de- 
cision," said  Miss  Templeton.  "While  improve- 
ments are  being  made,  3'ou  will  be  with  me,  and  I 
.shall  take  advantage  of  your  kindness  ;  for  I  think 
Mrs.  Lemar  will  be  willing  to  take  charge  for  me 
a  few  weeks  during  the  winter,  and  let  me  have  a 
vacation." 

"  I  shall  be  most  happy,"  said  Mrs.  Lemar,  "  to 
do  what  I  can  to  relieve  you.  You  have  been  here 
six  years  without  a  change,  and  will  have  a  good 
opportunity  to  run  away  from  care." 

"I  desire,"  returned  Miss  Templeton,  "to  visit 
my  brothers  in  Connecticut,  and  brother  Oscar  has 
promised  to  join  me  in  the  trip  I  have  long  had  in 
anticipation." 

Pursuing  a  south erlv  course  along  past  where  the 


256  BOND    AND    FREE. 

St.  John  empties  her  waters  into  the  Atlantic,  float- 
ing, like  a  bird,  with  her  sails  set  to  the  breeze,  was 
the  Sea  Gull,  tacking  to  and  fro  against  the  south 
wind,  now  approaching  the  coast  so  near  that 
objects  could  be  distinguished,  then  away  so  far 
that  only  a  blue  streak  appeared  on  the  western 
horizon. 

One,  two  days  passed,  and  the  third  was  draw- 
ing to  a  close.  The  sun  dipped  into  the  blue  mist, 
a  gorgeous  opal,  diflusing  a  golden  halo  far  over 
the  sky  :  while  all  along  toward  the  Sea  Gull,  in  a 
widening  path  of  light,  the  waves  tossed  up  their 
caps,  and  caught  sparkling  jewels,  brilliant  with 
carmine  and  cadmium. 

Two  passengers  sat  upon  the  deck  absorbed  in 
their  own  reflections,  watching  the  scene  till  the 
sun  had  set  and  the  beaut}'  faded  into  night. 

The  spell  was  broken  by  the  Captain,  who  came 
with  his  glass  to  make  his  last  observations  for  the 
day. 

'*  How  long  do  you  think  it  will  be.  Captain,  be- 
fore we  reach  the  northern  line  of  Volusia  county?  " 
inquired  the  ladv. 

"I  guess  'taint  far,  since  we  passed  the  fort, 
ma'am,"  answered  the  Captain  in  broad  Yankee 
dialect,  without  lowering  the  glass,  which  was 
leveled  toward  the  coast.  "  Thar  she  is,  now  ;  take 
a  look  through  here,  ma'am,  and  I'll  show  whar 
'tis.  You  p'int  the  glass  due  west.  If  'twas 
lighter,  you  could  see  sharper,  but  we're  making 
to  shore.     Thar  now,  don't  you  see  that  clump  o' 


THE  COAST  OF  FLORIDA.  257 

trees  an'  a  little  inlet  to  the  southward?  That's 
the  place  whar  the  line  comes."' 

"  Can  you  not  lie  by  till  morning,  Captain?  It 
would  be  a  great  mistake  if  we  should  pass  in  the 
darkness  the  place  where  we  want  to  stop." 

''Wal,  no  ma'am,  I  guess  we  couldn't  anchor 
out  here,  an'  'taint  safe  huggin'  to  shore  'long  these 
parts.  I  like  a  wide  berth  nights.  I've  seen  a 
storm  spring  up,  little  more  suddent  'n  pleasant, 
dow^n  here.  You  needn't  be  oneasy  'bout  passin' 
whar  you  want  me  to  lie  to.  For  quite  a  piece  it's 
all  flat  land  ;  not  much  chance  to  get  into  Skeeter 
Lagoon  for  some  miles  yet  further  to  the  south. 
The  wind's  'bout  died  out,  an'  if  it  don't  spring  up 
'fore  day,  we  won't  get  fur,  an^^how." 

"You  appear  to  locate  the  point  where  we  want 
to  stop,"  said  the  gentleman. 

"  Wal,  no,  can't  say  's  I  do  'xactly,  only  there 
ain't  no  place,  jes  here,  whar  a  boat  could  be 
put  to  shore.  That's  all  I  know  'bout  it.  To- 
morrow w^e'll  hug  in,  an'  creep  'long  little  keerful ; 
if  there's  a  chance  to  land,  an'  anybody's  livin' 
'bout  here,  w^e'll  be  apt  to  find  'em." 

^'  Come,  little  sister,"  said  the  gentleman,  after 
the  Captain  had  left  them,  "you  will  want  to  be 
on  the  lookout  early,  better  retire  to  your  cabin." 

Soon  after  daylight,  next  morning,  the  two  pas- 
sengers went  upon  deck,  as  the  boat  was  being 
lowered,  and  preparations  made  to  put  in  to  the 
shore  about  half  a  mile  distant.  The  mate  and 
two  hands   took  their  seats,  and   Mr.  Templeton 

stepped   in   after   them.     The   oars  dipped   in  the 
17 


258  BOND    AND    FREE. 

water,  "little  sister  "  waved  her  handkerchief,  and 
and  they  were  gone. 

During  the  two  hours  of  their  absence,  the  lady 
did  not  cease  to  watch,  walking  up  and  down  the 
deck,  and  looking  toward  the  shore,  till  the  little 
boat  was  visible,  making  for  the  Sea  Gull. 

It  hauled  vip  alongside  with  a  supply  of  fruit, 
fish  and  oysters. 

A  satisfactory  smile  lightened  up  the  sister's  face^ 
as  her  brother  nodded  in  answer  to  her  inquiry, 
said  something  about  "  next  inlet,"  and  handed  her 
a  bough,  upon  which  was  hanging  a  cluster  of 
oranges. 

The  Sea  Gull  was  once  more  put  on  her  course, 
near  to  the  shore,  for  a  few  hours.  The  Captain 
remained  upon  deck,  frequently  referring  to  his 
chart,  and  using  his  glass  to  reconnoiter  the  coast. 
When  he  had  reached  the  locality  designated  by 
informants  at  the  former  anchorage,  he  ordered  the 
anchor  to  be  dropped,  and  the  boat  lowered. 

Mr.  Templeton  and  his  sister  stood  looking  on, 
till  all  was  ready.  As  he  was  about  to  make  a  de- 
scent into  the  boat,  she  said : 

"  Help  me  down  first,  please,  Buddie  ;  I  am  not 
to  be  left  behind  this  time." 

Seated  in  the  boat,  the  sailors  pulled  for  the 
shore.  Nearing  the  point,  an  old  cabin  was  seen, 
and  a  small  thicket  of  orange  trees.  As  they 
landed,  Miss  Templeton  clung  closely  to  her 
brother,  and  whispered  : 

"It  is  the  same  place — O,  how  dreadful  it  is 
here  I  " 


THE  COAST  OF  FLORIDA. 


=  59 


"Not  a  very  desirable  place  of  abode,  sureh^'' 
said  Mr.  Templeton,  "but  there  is  nothing  to  fear, 
sister,  do  not  tremble." 

"Thar  aint  no  bears  here,  ma'am,"  said  the 
mate,  who  had  overheard  her  remark,  "they  are 
further  in  the  woods,  and  I  guess  there  aint  no  folks 
here,  either,"  he  added,  striding  ahead,  and  look- 
ing into  the  cabin.  "All  gone  visiting  the  neigh- 
bors, I  guess  ;  look  a  here,  George,  jis  see  how  they 
fix  bunks  down  in  this  countr}-." 

George  answered  the  call,  and  entered  the  cabin, 
following  his  comrade  on  a  tour  of  investigation. 

The  floor  was  sand,  in  which  were  footprints 
showing  that  the  foot  of  man  had  recently  been 
there.  There  was  no  furniture  except  hewn  blocks, 
and  in  two  of  the  corners,  what  the  sailors  called 
"bunks,"  raised  a  foot  above  the  ground,  covered 
with  beds  of  pine-straw. 

"  Wal,  "  said  the  mate,  "  'fore  I'd  Hve  in  such  a 
hole  as  this,  Fd  go  'fore  the  mast  three  years,  an' 
hunt  up  Robinson  Crusoe's  Island  ;  'd  rather  go  to 
Sing  Sing,  BlackwelFs  Island,  anywhere." 

"I  do  not  see  any  gun  here,"  said  Mr.  Temple- 
ton,  looking  around  within  the  doorway,  while  his 
sister  still  clinging  to  his  arm,  drew  him  out,  say- 
ing: 

"Do  not  go  in,  please,  it  is  a  horrid  place." 
The  rest  of  the  party,  who  had  gone  through  the 
house,  and  out  at  an  open  doorway  on  the  opposite 
side,  announced  that  they  had  discovered  a  path. 
"The  gentleman  has  probably  gone  on  a  hunt- 
ing expedition  and  taken  his  gun,"  remarked  Mr. 


26o  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Tempteton.  "  If  his  stay  is  not  prolonged,  we 
might  await  his  return  and  fare  sumptuously  on  his 
game  ;  but  let  us  follow  his  path,  we  may  meet  him 
and  announce  our  intention." 

In  single  file  they  passed  through  a  dense  thicket 
of  palmetto  trees  and  other  growth  of  the  hummock 
till  their  footsteps  were  arrested  by  sounds  that 
caused  them  to  halt.  They  listened — again  were 
heard  sounds  which  all  agreed  in  pronouncing  to 
be  those  of  the  human  voice. 

"This  way — this  way,"  whispered  the  mate,  as 
they  came  out  of  the  high  growth,  and  followed 
where  the  path  was  lost  in  the  low,  wet  ground  ; 
*'  softly,  all  keep  close." 

Again  the  voice  was  heard,  more  distinct  than 
before. 

*'Go  ahead,  boys,  we're  on  the  right  track  to 
find  some  one,"  said  Mr,  Templeton,  in  a  sup- 
pressed tone.     "  Keep  close,  sister." 

The  precaution  was  useless,  as  Miss  Templeton 
made  every  effort  to  keep  pace  with  the  rest  while 
struggling  over  the  treacherous  soil,  and  clung  still 
to  her  brother's  hand  for  assistance,  until  they 
reached  a  strip  of  high  land,  where  the  scrub  growth 
disappeared,  and  a  forest  of  tall  pine  came  in  view. 

Near  them — near  enough  to  be  understood — was 
heard  the  voice  ;  "  O  Lord,  make  me  strong  !  O 
Lord,  bress  Dinah  an'  de  chil'en  I  O  Lord  bress 
Miss  'Titia  and  make  'er  strong !  an'  w'en  you's 
done  wid  us  here,  ketch  us  up  in  de  w'ite  cloud 
into  glory." 

Wafted    by    the    warm    breezes    of   that    sunny 


THE  COAST  OF  FLORIDA.  261 

climate,  the  words  were  heard  by  the  advancing 
party. 

Miss  Templeton  started  forward,  forgetting  her 
hesitation  and  timidity,  exclaiming,  "It  is  he,  I 
know  his  voice,"  outran  the  others,  and  in  a  few 
moments  was  by  the  side  of  Uncle  Joe. 

There  he  stood  against  a  large  tree  ;  a  rope  was 
passed  under  his  arms,  around  the  tree,  and  tied 
on  the  opposite  side  beyond  his  reach. 

Miss  Templeton  knelt  down,  took  his  great  black 
hands  in  hers,  and  bathed  them  in  tears.  "  O, 
Uncle  Joe  !  poor  Uncle  Joe  !  poor  boy  !  poor  boy  !  " 
was  all  she  could  sav. 

Mr.  Templeton  drew  a  knife  from  his  pocket  and 
cut  the  rope  ;  coiling  it  up  in  his  hand,  he  threw  it 
from  him  as  if  it  had  been  a  snake. 

The  sailors  stood  back  in  mute  surprise;  the 
mate  wiped  the  back  of  his  hand  across  his  eyes, 
saying,  "But  ain't  it  a  good  thing  the  niggers  is 
all  free,  boys?" 

As  soon  as  the  rope  was  cut,  Uncle  Joe  dropped 
down  upon  the  ground  in  a  sitting  posture,  and 
tears  streamed  from  his  eyes  in  thankfulness  for 
his  deliverance. 

"O,  Miss  'Titia!  I  know'd  you'd  come.  The 
Lord  alius  answers  pra'r.  I  know'd  you'd  come. 
I've  prayed  an'  waited  till  I  mos'  gin. out.  O, 
Maus  Oscar  !  de  Lord  sent  you  right  yere.  Take 
me  home,  Maus  Oscar,  'twont  take  much  money 
to  buy  me  now.  I  aint  no  'count,  no  more.  But 
oh,  how  I'd  love  to  see  de  ole  plantation,  Dinah  an' 
de  chil'en,  jes  once  more  I  " 


262  BOND    AND    FREE. 

"  Uncle  Joe,"  said  Mr.  Templeton,  "  do  3'ou  not 
know  that  you  are  free?  " 

Uncle  Joe  shook  his  head,  "  Ole  massa  didn't 
give  me  no  free  papers,  Maus  Oscar  ;  no,  sir  ;  I 
'longs  to — well,  you  know — he  sold  me." 

Mr.  Templeton  perceiving  that  he  was  either  be- 
wildered or  had  not  heard  the  storv  of  the  emanci- 
pation, thought  it  wise  to  divert  the  subject,  and 
said  : 

"We  wall  not  remain  here;  are  you  able  to 
walk,  Uncle  Joe?" 

"Yes,  sir,  I  am  better  now,  sir."  Rising  with 
difficultv,  he  lifted  a  heavy  ball,  which  was  at- 
tached to  one  ankle  by  a  chain  several  feet  in 
]^ength. 

One  of  the  seamen  took  it  out  of  his  hands,  and 
all  joined  in  examination  of  the  chain,  and  found 
it  secured  by  a  manacle  and  could  not  be  removed 
without  a  tool.  The  poor  fellow  attempted  taking 
it  from  the  seaman,  sa3dng : 

"  I'm  used  to  totin'  it,  I've  had  it  on  ever  since 
Miss  'Titia  an'  I  parted." 

"  But  it  is  heavy,"  said  the  sailor,  "  an'  3'ou  don't 
look  overh^  strong  ;  I'll  take  it  to  the  boat,  'pears 
like  all  you  can  do  to  tote  3'ourself." 

"Don't  reckon  Maus  Thomas  "11  be  'long  'fore 
night." 

"Devil  take  your  Maus  Thomas,"  said  the  sailor,. 
'  'I'd  like  to  have  him  on  that  ar'  end  o'  this  chain, 
I'd  drop  him  overboard  quicker'n  scat.  Tell  me 
now,  what  did  he  have  you  tied  up  to  a  tree  for?  ^^ 


THE  COAST  OF  FLORIDA.  263 

"He  alius  does  w'en  he  goes  offhiintin\  He  says 
he's  feared  I'll  run  off,  or  drown  mj^self." 

"That's  worse  nor  bein'  board  a  man-o'-war. 
How  fur  'd  he  think  a  man  'd  travel  with  this? 
Might  be  a  good  thing  to  keep  a  fellow  down  'mong 
the  fishes." 

With  other  comments  from  the  sailors,  the  path 
was  retraced  to  the  cabin. 

Here  Uncle  Joe  objected  to  going  any  farther 
till  his  master  should  arrive. 

"Don't  ax  me  to  go  off  again.    I  wouldn't  a  gone 

'fore,   eft  hadn't   been  for  her;   but if  Miss 

'Titia  says  so,  I'll  go  ;  she  won't  ax  me  to  do  wrong." 

"Then  I  say,  come,  Uncle  Joe  ;  come  with  us, 
and  I  will  take  you  right  home  to  the  old  planta- 
tion, where  Aunt  Dinah  and  j^our  children  are  wait- 
ing for  you." 

Making  no  more  objection.  Uncle  Joe  was.  led  to 
the  boat,  and  in  a  short  time,  all  were  safe  on  board 
the  Sea  Gull.  Anchor  was  weighed  ;  tacking  about, 
with  sails  set  to  the  breeze,  they  w^ere  soon  sailing 
in  a  northerly  direction. 

Miss  Templeton  had  been  careful  not  to  reveal 
the  object  of  her  absence  to  Aunt  Dinah  or  an}-  of 
the  servants,  lest  expectation  should  become  ele- 
vated and  never  realized. 

Madison  was  surprised  to  find  Maus  Oscar  and 
Miss  Letitia  among  the  passengers  by  the  regular 
Norfolk  boat,  but  he  could  scarce  believe  the  evi- 
dence of  his  senses,  when  Uncle  Joe  fell  into  their 
wake,  canying  a  new  valise. 

He   at  once   recognized   him,    and  gave  him    a 


264  BOND    AND    FREE. 

heam^grip.  "  Howdy,  Uncle  Joe  ;  howdy.  Where 
you  been  at,  all  dis  time,  growin'  so  old?  I  'clarif 
you'  ha'r  aint  turn  gray." 

'*  Howdy  Madison,  howdy;  glad  to  see  you; 
glad  to  be  home  again." 

Mr.  and  Miss  Templeton  entered  the  stage,  with 
two  other  passengers,  and  Uncle  Joe,  with  some 
assistance,  succeeded  in  climbing  up  and  seating 
himself  beside  Madison,  where  he  listened  to  an 
account  of  the  chances  and  changes  that  had  oc- 
curred during  the  years  intervening  since  they  met. 

''  The  old  place  don't  look  much  like  it  used  to. 
Uncle  Joe  ;  you  never  would  know  it." 

"Dis  3^ere  Miss  'Titia's  carriage?"  inquired 
Uncle  Joe. 

"  No  sir,"  answered  Madison,  extending  his 
broad  shoulders  to  their  fullest  breadth,  "  dis  yere's 
my  team,  bosses  an'  stage.  I  runs  de  mail  line, 
from  the  river,  through  Temple  Vale  to  Compton." 

If  Madison  had  been  ambitious  to  be  the  owner 
of  horses,  this  was  a  happy  hour,  and  he  felt  himself 
master  of  the  situation.  Step  by  step  had  he  as- 
cended the  ladder,  elevating  himself  by  his  own 
efforts,  till  he  had  reached  thus  far. 

"Uncle  Joe,  you's  been  out  de  country,  I  'lows 
you  don't  know  what's  goin'  on.  'F  you'd  stayed 
yere  all  time,  3'ou'd  reckon  free  niggers  is  some 
'count.  'Taint  like  it  used  to  was.  Ole  Wirginny 
progressnin,  an'  INIadison's  progressnin  also.  Who 
you  reckon's  done  bought  dis  yere  place,  used  to 
be  Mr.  Grovener's  ?     Course  vou  don't  know  ;  Miss 


THE  COAST  OF  FLORIDA.  265 

Letitia's  done  bought  it,  an'  a  heap  o'  the  boys 
done  bought  their  own  land." 

'*  I  'clar,  if  dar  aint  de  elums?  I  know'd  'em, 
sure.  But  w'at's  all  dis  3^ere?"  inquired  Uncle  Joe, 
as  they  drew  up  to  water  the  horses  near  the  store. 

"You  keep  on  'sprisin'  yerself,  Uncle  Joe:  I 
don't  gen'ly  turn  up  de  'abnue  yere,  but  's  my 
load's  heap  fur  de  big  house,  I'll  dribe  in." 

Madison  had  turned  his  horses  up  toward  the 
gates,  which,  to  Uncle  Joe's  amazement,  opened 
automatically,  and  closed  after  they  had  passed 
through. 

"  How'd  dat  gate  git  open  an'  shut,  all  to  itself, 
Madison,"  he  exclaimed,  continuing  to  look  at  the 
gate. 

"You  jes  keep  on  'sprisin'  3'ouself,  Uncle  Joe. 
But  look  a  here  jes  now,  an'  'sprise  yourself  again." 
Uncle  Joe  looked  where  the  plain  old  farm  house 
had  been,  and  saw,  instead,  the  elegant  home 
erected  by  the  man  who  did  not  long  occupy  it." 

"  I  ain't  no  more  to  say,  Madison,  I  reckon  my 
head'll  git  clar  again'  sometime." 

Col.  Lemar,  his  wife  and  children  ran  out  as  they 
saw  Miss  Templeton  alight  with  her  brother,  and 
amid  the  warmth  of  reception,  did  not  observe  the 
outside  passenger,  whose  descent  Madison  was  as- 
sisting, till  Miss  Templeton  announced  : 

"  And  here  is  Uncle  Joe,  let  him  come  in  for  a 
share  of  your  congratulations." 

The  attention  was  immediatel}'  diverted  to  that 
individual,  who  stood  dazed  in  the  midst  of  hand- 
shaking   and  "  welcome    home    again,"  till   Aunt 


266  BOND    AND    FREE. 

Dinah  made  her  appearance  around  the  corner  of 
the  house,  transfixed  in  amazement,  with  her  up- 
Hfted  hands  covered  with  flour.  For  as  soon  as 
the  stage  had  turned  in  through  the  gate,  she 
"knowed  Miss  'Titia's  come,  an'd  want  supper, 
right  oft'."  So  she  had  gone  into  the  kitchen  to 
beat  some  biscuit,  and  was  busily  engaged  when 
Carohne  darkened  the  kitchen  door,  long  enough 
to  exclaim,  "  Mamm}',  pap's  done  got  home" — and 
disappeared. 

The  announcement  was  enough  to  cause  Aunt 
Dinah  to  leave  the  dough  and  follow  the  child. 

As  she  advanced,  the  group  encircling  Uncle 
Joe  opened  for  her,  and  seizing  him  by  the  hand  in 
speechless  joy  she  drew  him  on  to  her  cabin.  There 
she  tossed  her  "week's  washing"  from  the  embrace 
of  an  old  wooden  rocker,  beat  up  and  turned  over 
the  chintz-covered  feather  cushion.  Upon  this  he 
lowered  himself  as  if  the  infirmities  of  old  age  had 
already  crept  upon  him. 

Separating  her  own  children  from  the  crowd  that 
followed  and  filled  the  cabin,  she  motioned  the  rest 
to  leave,  saying  with  a  choking  voice  : 

*'  Go  'wa}',  go  'w^ay  off";  he's  my  Joe." 

It  is  not  for  us  to  investigate  what  transpired  in 
their  humble  home.  Under  dark  skins  throb  hu- 
man hearts,  with  the  same  emotions  of  sorrow  or 
joy  as  are  found  actuating  the  Caucasian.  With  a 
rough  exterior  and  peculiar  manner  of  expression, 
their  human  nature  intuitively  felt  the  sacredness 
of  the  family  ties  in  which  none  other  can  sympa- 
thize ;   and  Aunt  Dinah   in   collecting   once   more 


THE  COAST  OF  FLORIDA.  267 

their  number  unbroken,  more  perfectly  enjoyed 
the  reunion  by  the  exclusion  of  all  others.  That 
fullness  of  joy  which  takes  possession  of  the  heart 
but  seldom  during  a  lifetime  was  theirs  :  oblivious 
to  the  trials  and  pains  of  the  intei'vening  years 
their  cup  ran  over  ;  and  as  lights  are  brought  out 
by  vivid*  contrasts,  so  the  dark  shadows  just  be- 
hind rendered  this  sudden  emergence  replete  with 
unspeakable  happiness. 

"  Aunt  Dinah  will  w^ant  to  have  a  little  talk  with 
her  husband,  Sarah,"  said  Miss  Templeton  ;  "  go 
and  finish  preparing  the  supper." 

The  news  of  Uncle  Joe's  return  spread,  and  the 
hands,  upon  coming  in  from  the  field,  could  not 
permit  Aunt  Dinah's  door  to  remain  long  closed. 
Each  must  step  in,  shake  hands  and  sa}- ''  Howdy," 
and  "  Mighty  glad  to  see  you.  Uncle  Joe." 

Aunt  Chloe  brought  in  a  sparkling  glass,  and 
handing  it  to  him,  said  : 

"  It's  elderberry  cordial,  drink  it  all,  it's  mighty 
good  for  tiredness,  an'  you  looks  'bout  gin  out. 
Reckon  you  didn't  drink  any  cordial  like  mine 
down  whar  you's  at." 

Uncle  Joe  drained  the  glass  and  returned  it^ 
saying : 

"  Thank  you,  thank  you.  Aunt  Chloe,  wery  fresh- 
nin'  ;  w^er}^  freshnin'  'deed.  I's  seed  many  a  time 
sence  I  left  Wirginny,  w^'en  I's  most  dead  for  a 
drink  o'  water,  an'  would  'a  been  glad  to  git  at  a 
pon'  in  de  gutter.  But  de  Lord's  good,  he's 
fotched  it  out  all  right  in  de  en'.  An'  I'll  try  to 
forgit  w'at's  done  passed  now.     I  'lowed  ef  Miss 


THE  COAST  OF  FLORIDA.  269 

'Titia  'd  got  home,  she  'd  buy  me  back  again.  Di- 
nah's been  here  all  time,  an'  de  chil'en  growin'  up. 
Fs  happy  now,  an'  paid  for  all  I's  put  up  wid." 

"  Did  you  have  a  hard  time  in  de  war?  "  inquired 
Aunt  Chloe,  believing  that  the  trouble  alluded  to 
had  arisen  from  that  cause. 

"  Didn't  hear  tell  no  war,  down  dar,  'cept  Maus 
Thomas,  holp  by  de  debil,  an'  Uncle  Joe,  holp  by 
de  Lord.     De  Lord  beat ;  an'  he  alius  do  beat." 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


THE    WILL. 


A  PEEP  at  Oak  Lawn,  would  find  the  owner  em- 
ployed in  superintending  farming  operations,  and 
looking  after  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  people  in- 
cluded within  a  large  district.  Localities  so  remote 
that  it  was  impossible  to  congregate  the  people  in- 
habiting them  at  one  point  for  weekly  worship,  had 
rendered  necessar}-  a  division  into  two  parishes, 
with  public  services  alternating  between  Compton 
and  Temple  Vale. 

The  day  school  at  the  latter  point  gained  in  rep- 
utation and  numbers.  A  new  school-house  was 
erected  down  on  the  road  near  the  store,  and  an 
accomplished  lady,  residing  in  the  county, employed 
to  give  instruction  to  the  white  children,  while  Jane 
remained  at  her  old  post  with  the  blacks. 

The  new  school-house  being  the  larger  and  more 
accessible,  was  occupied  as  a  place  for  public  wor- 
ship. 

Every  famih^  within  Mr.  Melburn's  charge, 
whether  rich  or  poor,  found  in  their  pastor  a  judi- 
cious counsellor  and  prudent  advisor.  Ease  of  man- 
ner, combined  with  dignity  of  character,   rendered 


THE    WILL.  271 

him  popular  Avith  young  and  old,  while  it  inspired 
respect.  In  every  matter  where  Miss  Templeton 
was  interested,  he  consulted  her  taste  and  judg- 
ment, manifesting  the  highest  regard  for  her  wishes. 
While  visiting  among  the  people  of  their  vicinity, 
they  frequently  met  on  errands  of  love  andcharit}'. 

One  evening  when  the  da^'s  were  lengthening, 
and  the  mildness  of  spring  creeping  on.  Miss  Tem- 
pleton took  a  pitcher  of  buttermilk  and  walked 
across  the  fields  to  Uncle  Simon's  cabin,  intending 
to  spend  a  half  hour  in  reading  to  him.  She  was 
surprised  to  find  Mr.  Melburn  had  forestalled  her. 
She  left  the  pitcher,  and,  after  inquiries  about  the 
old  negro,  set  out  to  return. 

Mr.  Melburn  also  bade  the  family  "  Good  bve," 
and  said  :  "With  your  permission.  Miss  Letitia,  I 
will  go  your  way." 

"Thank  you,  I  shall  be  pleased  to  have  3^our 
company.  The  air  is  so  delightfull}^  bracing,  a 
walk  is  pleasanter  than  riding,  and  it  is  also  my 
remed}'  for  '  the  blues.'  " 

"I  did  not  think  a  lad}^  whose  time  is  so  much 
employed  as  3'ours,  would  ever  be  troubled  with 
that  malady." 

"So  you  think  it  is  caused  by  want  of  employ- 
raent,  and  that  I  have  not  leisure  to  indulge.  Your 
conclusion  would  hardl}'  ^pply  i^^  "ly  case.  Some- 
times it  seems  to  me  as  if  we  have  a  double  exist- 
ence ;  one  floating  along  on  the  surface,  through 
which  we  are  brought  into  contact  with  people  and 
things  tangible,  the  other  an  undercurrent  that  ebbs 
and  flows  down  deep,  out  of  sight  of  man." 


272  BOND    AND    FREE. 

"  To  continue  3'our  analogy,  Miss  Letitia  ;  as  the 
undercurrents  wash  out  and  form  the  channel  for 
the  river,  so  the  undercurrents  of  thought,  how- 
ever seldom  they  may  appear  in  our  intercourse 
with  man,  guide  our  lives  and  mould  our  des- 
tinies." 

"Was  it  an  undercurrent,"  asked  Miss  Tem- 
pleton  smiling,  "that  brought  you  home  from  a 
foreign  station,  to  transfer  your  missionary  labors 
to  your  own  people?" 

"  It  was.  Will  you  answer  me  a  question  as 
frankly?  Was  it  an  undercurrent  that  influenced 
3'ou  when  you  decided  not  to  become  my  wife 
twelve  years  ago?" 

"  Yes,"  briefly  answered  Miss  Templeton,  as  the 
blood  rushed  to  her  cheeks. 

"  I  thought  so,  or  rather  hoped  so  ;  and  that  hope 
has  been  the  undercurrent  that  has  borne  me  up  and 
brought  me  home.  Have  you  forgotten  this  wild 
cherry  tree  ?  Do  you  remember  the  time  I  climbed 
up  to  get  you  some  cherries  ?  You  cried  and  beg- 
ged me  to  come  down,  lest  I  should  fall  and  be 
kifled." 

"  Yes,  and  I  remember  how  you  laughed  at  my 
fears.     I  was  a  little  girl  then." 

"  Boy  as  I  was,  I  was  happy  in  the  thought  that 
you  cared  for  me  ;  I  saw  in  vour  tears  a  demon- 
stration of  your  childish  regard  for  my  personal 
safety.  That  was  the  happiest  moment  of  my  life 
and  has  sustained  me  till  this  time." 

"  We  were  children  then  :  we  thought  the  fruit  of 
this  tree  sweet,  now  we  call  it  bitter." 


THE    WILL.  273 

"Yes,  we  have  changed — our  childhood  has 
passed — youth  is  fleeting — the  realities  of  life  with 
their  bitterness  as  well  as  their  sweets  have  begun 
to  be  felt ;  the  fancies  of  youthful  imagination  have 
been  toned  down  and  both  of  us  have  taken  hold 
on  our  life's  work  with  a  will  to  perform  it.  Tell 
me,  Miss  Letitia,  if  the  obstacles  that  influenced 
vour  decision  then  have  diminished  :  if  the  time 
that  has  changed  us,  has  reduced  the  barrier 
that  was  between  us." 

*'  I  think  they  have,  George." 

"  Will  you  not  give  me  a  different  answer  to  the 
proposition  then  made?" 

No  matter  what  the  reply  was.  ]Mr.  Melburn 
was  invited  to  supper,  an  incident  of  rare  occur- 
rence. 

As  thev  entered  the  yard,  Uncle  Joe  stood  lean- 
ing on  his  crutch,  watching  his  boy  gather  up  the 
garden  tools  to  put  them  away  for  the  day.  Lift- 
ing his  hat  in  respect  to  his  mistress  and  her  friend, 
he  limped  around  to  the  kitchen. 

"  Dinah,  you  jis  tr}'  yesef.  Dar's  company  for 
supper.  Maus  George  don't  come  often  to  de  big 
house  like  he  used  to  in  ole  times.  'Pears  like  he 
neber  do  come  now-a-days,  'thout  he  has  some  'por- 
tant  queshion  ter  'scuss  'long  Miss  'Titia." 

M 

"What  do  you  think  of  Uncle  Joe's  ankle?"  asked 
Miss  Templeton  of  the  physician,  who  was  building 
a  neat  little  cottage  near  the  store. 

"It  is  a  bad  case,"  answered  the  doctor.  "It  is 
astonishing  that  he  walked  upon  it  in  that  inflamed 
18 


274  BOND    AND    FREE. 

condition,  when  he  returned.  The  constant  abra- 
sion of  the  skin  by  iron,  and  irritation  from  venom- 
ous insects,  continued  so  great  a  length  of  time, 
are  the  causes.  Ill  treatment,  and  irregular,  insuf- 
ficient food,  have  undermined  his  constitution,  ren- 
dering it  more  susceptible  to  the  poison." 

"He  tells  me  that  his  master  was  usually  absent 
two,  three,  or  even  four  days  ;  that  he  never  went 
out  on  a  hunt,  except  when  they  w^ere  destitute  of 
food,  and  of  course.  Uncle  Joe,  being  tied  to  a 
tree,  was  exposed  to  the  sun  during  the  day,  and 
cool  night  winds,  common  to  that  latitude,  without 
food  or  drink." 

"Poor  creature  !  He  must  come  to  me  dailv  and 
have  the  limb  dressed.  It  appears  to  be  healing, 
but  the  cords  are  becoming  contracted,  and  it  is  not 
likely  that  he  will  ever  recover  their  use." 

"He  was  a  faithful  servant  to  my  father,  and  I 
hope  you  will  spare  no  pains  to  accomplish  a  cure." 

Although  unable  to  do  much  work,  Uncle  Joe 
took  upon  himself  the  care  of  the  flowers.  His 
younger  children,  under  his  directions,  performed 
the  labor  of  loosening  the  soil  and  removing  weeds, 
while  he,  leaning  upon  a  crutch,  trained  the  plants 
and  sowed  the  seeds. 

One  day  he  was  resting  upon  the  old  stone,  trim- 
minp;  out  branches  of  the  hawthorne,  that  had  en- 
croached  within  the  bower,  when  Miss  Templeton 
carried  to  him  a  package  of  poppy  seeds. 

"Miss  'Titia,  did  you  eber  know  what  all  dat  was. 
in  de  box,  3'our  fader  put  under  dis  big  rock?" 


THE    WILL.  275 

"Why,  no.  I  did  not  know  that  he  ever  put  any 
thing  under  there . ' ' 

"  I  done  dis'membered  all  'bout  it  too,  till  jes 
now,  Ts  sittin'  yere,  a  cuttin'  off  dese  branches, 
an'  all  to  oncet,  I  'members  how  one  ebenin',  he 
come  from  de  court  house.  He  tole  me  fur  to  git  a 
bar  an'  hise  up  dis  yere  rock.  All  two  on  us  histed, 
an'  got  a  block  unner.  Den  Maus  Jeems  dug  out 
de  dirt,  an'  put  a  little  box  'way  in.  Den  I  tuck 
holt  de  bar  an'  histed,  till  Maus  Jeems  tuck  out  de 
block,  an'  I  let  de  rock  down." 

"  Did  he  sa}-  an^'thing  about  the  contents  of  the 
box?" 

"Let  me  see.  It  comes  to  me — what  JNIaus 
Jeems  did  say — yes,  I  'members  now.  He  said, 
'Joe  ef  an^'thing  happens,  that  I  never  come 
back  ; '  that  'minds  me  it  was  one  time  'fore  he  went 
off  from  home  ;  '  if  I  neber  come  back,  an'  your 
missus  wants  de  box,  you  know  where  'tis.'  That 
'minds  me  it  was  'fore  missus  died.  Yes,  it  was  a 
good  while  ago,  an'  I  done  forget  all  'bout  it." 

Miss  Templeton  went  into  the  house,  and  com- 
municated to  Col.  Lemar,  Uncle  Joe's  revelation. 

"We  can  soon  ascertain,"  said  Col.  Lemar, 
"whether  it  is  true,  or  whether  it  is  only  the  im- 
pression of  some  half- forgotten  dream." 

The  stone  was  raised,  and  beneath  was  found  a 
small  box  imbedded  as  described. 

Col.  Lemar  opened  it,  and  brought  to  light  a  will 
executed  by  Capt.  Templeton,  two  years  prior  to 
his  decease.  In  it  the  testator,  demised  to  his  two 
sons,  James  and  Oscar,  equal  shares  in  his  stock 


276  BOND    AND    FREE. 

in   the  Planters'   Bank  in  .     To  his  wife  the 

plantation  known  as  Temple  Vale,  during  her  nat- 
nral  life  ;  after  which  it  was  to  revert  in  fee  simple 
to  the  youngest  child,  Letitia.  The  line  of  trading- 
vessels  was  to  be  sold,  and  from  the  proceeds,  first, 
the  expenses  of  settling  the  estate  were  to  be  paid 
and  the  remainder  equally  divided  between  the 
two  daughters,  Marj-  Blue  and  Letitia  Templeton. 

The  will  purported  to  be  a  duplicate  copy  of 
one  executed  b}-  the  testator,  James  Templeton, 
through  his  attorney.  Esquire  Munser,  witnessed 
by  his  half-brother.  Hunt  Templeton,  by  Thomas 
Jones  (a  neighbor,  who  died  previous  to  the  tes- 
tator) and  the  landlord  of  G tavern,  who  had 

evidently  been  paid  to  preserve  silence  upon  the 
subject. 

"Allow  me  to  congratulate  you.  Miss  Letitia," 
said  Mrs.  Lemar,  "  upon  this  discovery,  although, 
had  it  been  in  3^our  possession  previous  to  the  war, 
it  would  have  served  3'our  family  better." 

"I  am  certainl}^  rejoiced  that  we  have  this  evi- 
dence of  father's  watchfulness  in  regard  to  his 
children,  although  it  is  useless  otherwise.  If  the 
bank  stock  was  not  all  drawn  out  before  the  war, 
it  has  ceased  to  exist,  for  the  bank  suspended  five 
3^ears  ago.  The  trading  vessels  were  scattered. 
This  plantation  is  all  that  remains  of  father's 
work  for  us  children  so  many  years.  This  will  ac- 
counts for  his  desire  to  give  the  place  to  me  by  a 
deed,  after  mother's  death." 

"Mr.  Grovener  tells  me,"  said  Col.  Lemar, 
"  how  ambitious  Capt.  Templeton  was  to   elevate   ^ 


THE    WILL. 


277 


and  educate  his  children.  Your  brothers  are  an 
honor  to  his  efforts,  while  if  thev  had  received  the 
money  intended  for  them,  it  is  probable  thev  would 
not  have  made  the  men  they  are.  The  additional 
revenue  derived  from  the  sale  of  the  vessels,  might 
have  been  of  some  service  to  you  ;  I  will  not  be  the 
judge." 

''  I  am  satisfied,"  said  ^Nliss  Templeton,  "  with- 
out having  had  any  more  care.  We  may  as  well 
philosophize  with  Uncle  Joe,  that  '  all  comes  out 
right  in  the  end.'  " 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


THE    WEDDING. 


When  the  Bishop  made  his  next  visitation  at 
Temple  Vale,  there  was  a  wedding.  The  rector 
and  his  bride  stood  out  on  the  veranda  and  plighted 
their  troth,  each  to  the  other,  in  the  presence  of 
an  audience  who  filled  the  house  and  covered  the 
lawn. 

The  bride  was  nearly  thirt}-,  and  if  there  was 
less  of  youthfulness  in  her  face  than  twelve  years 
before,  there  was  more  decision  of  character,  which 
did  not  detract  from  beauty  of  feature  ;  not  a  gray 
hair  could  be  found  in  the  golden  braid  that  was 
wreathed  in  forget-me-nots.  Bouquets  of  the  same 
little  flowers  were  pinned  here  and  there  in  the  soft 
illusion,  by  Mrs.  Lemar,  who  robbed  Uncle  Joe's 
flower  beds  for  the  purpose. 

"  Jes'  take  'em  all,  take  'em,  eber}-  las'  one.  Miss 
Grace.  Ef  Miss  'Titia'd  tole  me  she's  gwine  git 
married,  an'  wanted  'em,  I'd  sowed  a  heap  more. 
You  take  all  you  wants.  We  can  git  more  seed  in 
de  store." 

The  evening  after  the  wedding,  two  wa3^farers 
made  their  appearance,  walking  along  the   dusty 


THE    WEDDING.  279 

road,  and,  attracted  by  the  dripping  water  under 
the  shady  trees,  sat  down  to  quench  their  thirst, 
and  rest.  The  woman  was  large,  and  felt  the  op- 
pressiveness of  the  heat  from  a  superabundance  of 
flesh.  The  man  was  thin,  leaned  on  a  staff,  and 
his  sight  was  gone.  Nora  and  Caroline  watched 
them  from  the  store  door,  and  their  sympathies 
were  excited  by  the  dejected  appearance  of  the 
travelers. 

Nora  was  disposed  to  make  acquaintance  with 
them,  and  persuaded  Caroline  to  join  her. 

"Is  you  got  far  to  go?  "  asked  Nora. 

''Yes,  girl,  it  seems  a  powerful  long  walk,  con- 
siderin'  it's  so  hot  an'  dusty.  We've  come  from 
Compton,  since  mornin',  and  are  bound  for  the  land- 
ing," said  the  woman. 

"Don't  reckon  you's  gwine  git  dar  to-night,  does 
you?     Wh}'  didn't  3'ou  go  in  de  stage?  " 

"The  stage  don't  take  people  as  don't  have 
money  to  pay  their  fare.  We're  some  tired  :  such 
a  warm  day.  If  we  can  get  kept  till  mornin'  here- 
abouts, we  might  go  on  to-morrow." 

"The  doctor  lives  in  that  little  new  house,  'cross 
the  road,"  suggested  Nora;  "his  wife's  mighty 
kind,  mebbe  she'd  keep  vou.  Is  your  husband 
blind?" 

"Plum  blind,  yes  ;   can't  see  daylight." 

"Come  Sue,  let's  go,"  said  the  man,  "and  see 
if  we  can  get  to  stay  all  night  somewhere." 

They  rose  and  crossed  the  road  to  the  little  cot- 
tage designated  as  the  doctor's  house.  Here  they 
stopped  and  begged  a  night's  lodging. 


28o  BOXD    AND    FREE. 

The  kind  lady  invited  them  to  be  seated  upon  the 
porch,  and  pla-ced  refreshments  before  them.  The 
doctor  soon  appeared,  asked  their  destination,  and 
consented  to  provide  lodging  for  the  night. 

"  Have  you  always  been  blind?  "  he  inquired. 

"Oh,  no,"  was  the  reply,  "I  could  see  as  well  as 
anybody  till  about  the  close  of  the  w^ar,  the  dread- 
ful war  that  stripped  us  of  ever3'thing.  A  part}^  of 
men  came  to  my  house  one  night,  took  out  my  two 
oldest  sons  and  shot  them  dead  before  my  eyes. 
They  blindfolded  and  took  me  off  horseback  man}^ 
miles,  and  left  me  alone  in  the  woods.  Exposure 
and  want,  while  making  my  way  home,  brought  on 
a  long  sickness  ;  my  eyes  became  inflamed  and  it 
finally  resulted  in  total  blindness." 

"Have  you  been  residing  in  this  county?  "  asked 
the  doctor. 

"Not  late  years  ;  we  did  before  the  war.  There 
used  to  be  a  plantation  between  Compton  and  the 
river — I  thought  we  must  be  near  it,  but  Sue  says 
there's  a  heap  o'  changes  'long  the  road.  May  be 
you  don't  know,  as  you  are  a  newcomer,  where  a 
place  is,  'at  used  to  belong  to  Captain  Templeton — 
'Temple  Vale,'  he   called  it." 

"This  postoffice  is  called  Temple  Vale,"  an- 
sw^ered  the  doctor,  "it  is  across  in  that  store  by  the 
spring,  where  you  stopped.  I  have  understood 
that  the  name  was  first  applied  to  Captain  Temple- 
ton's  plantation.  It  is  here  to  the  west,  and  a  val- 
uable place  it  is.  Did  3'Ou  ever  know  Captain 
Templeton?  " 


THE    WEDDING.  28 1 

"  I  did  know  him,  "  replied  the  bHnd  man,  "  he 
was  my  half-brother." 

"  Your  half-brother,"  echoed  the  doctor's  wife, 
as  if  doubting  the  assertion.  '*  It  can  not  be  pos- 
sible that  you  are  an  uncle  of  Mrs.  Melburn.  I 
thought  her  relations  were  all  in  the  North.  Ma3-be 
you  have  not  heard  of  the  wedding  to-da}- — Miss 
Templeton  was  married  to  Rev.  George  Melburn, 
the  clergyman,  and^a  grand  dinner  they  had,  too. 
I  don't  suppose  there  was  a  white  person  in  the 
count V  not  present ;  and  for  that  matter,  I  may 
as  well  say  a  black  one,  either,  for  the  preacher 
gave  out  a  general  invitation.  She  is  a  splendid, 
noble-hearted  woman,  and  you  may  be  proud  to 
claim  kin  to  her." 

"Hear  that,  do  you.  Hunt?"  said  the  woman. 
"  Curious,  ain't  it,  how  some  folks  do  turn  out?  " 

"Sue,"  said  the  man,  without  noticing  her  re- 
mark, "  how  comes  it,  you  couldn't  see  where  we 
were  at?  We'd  better  start  along,  now.  I'm 
rested,  and  don't  want  to  stay  around  here." 

"You  can  not  think  of  going  now,"  said  the 
doctor,  "the  sun  is  about  down.  To-morrow,  I 
will  see  that  3'ou  are  provided  with  seats  in  the 
stage,  if  you  wish  to  continue  3-our  journey." 

The  doctor  soon  disappeared,  leaving  the  trav- 
elers with  his  wafe,  while  he  retraced  his  steps  to 
the  scene  of  the  late  festivities. 

The  newly  married  couple  were  sitting  out  on 
the  veranda,  enjoying  the  twilight,  while  many 
hands  were  busy  passing  to  and  fro,  clearing  away 
tables  that  had  been  spread  under  the  trees.     The 


282  BOND    AND    FREE. 

doctor  apologized  for  his  intrusion,  made  known 
his  errand,  and  retired. 

"  He  was  father's  half-brother,  and  out  of  respect 
to  dear  father's  memory,  they  must  be  provided 
for,"  said  Mrs.  Melburn,  in  discussing  the  subject 
announced  by  the  doctor. 

"You  are  right,"  said  Mr.  Melburn,  "I  have 
understood  from  persons  in  Compton,  that  they  are 
quite  destitute,  and  have  been  living  with  one  and 
another  of  their  children,  so  long  as  they  will  keep 
them,  and  I  suspect  are  now  on  the  way  to  Norfolk, 
where  the  youngest  son  resides.  It  would  be  em- 
barrassing to  them  and  unpleasant  for  us,  to  have 
them  here  ;  but  if  they  would  be  willing  to  accept 
a  home  at  Oak  Lawn,  it  will  be  near  enough  for 
us  to  look  after  them,  and  see  that  they  want  for 
nothing." 

"  Thank  vou,  George  :  you  alwa3^s  think  of  the 
best  thing.     I  will  leave  3^ou  to  propose  it  to  them." 

During  the  summer  there  was  considerable  in- 
crease of  travel,  and  Madison's  stage  was  well 
patronized.  The  curative  qualities  of  the  medicinal 
springs  were  remembered,  and  again  resorted  to 
bv  man}'  who  were  glad  to  reach  it  in  a  public 
convevance. 

Col.  Lemar's  accommodations  for  a  few  guests 
proved  inadequate  to  meet  the  demands  of  the 
many  who  sought  to  be  supplied  with  comfortable 
apartments,  and  were  compelled  to  go  elsewhere. 

One  warm   mid-summer  day,  Mrs.  Lemar  was 


THE    WEDDING.  283 

l)idding  "  good  bye  "  to  a  party  preparing  to  leave 
by  the  stage,  with  a  sense  of  rehef- — smothered 
down,  out  of  the  way  of  expression — that  her  cares 
would  thereafter  be  diminished. 

Vain  the  anticipation — for  when  one  care  goes, 
another  comes.  Madison  leaped  down  from  his 
seat,  opened  the  door  and  let  down  the  steps.  Out 
leaped  a  lad,  followed  by  a  middle-aged  gentle- 
man and  four  ladies.  INIrs.  Lemar  was  about 
making  a  retreat  when  familiar  faces  met  hers. 
Gladly  she  advanced,  recognized  and  welcomed 
friends  whom  she  had  never  expected  to  meet 
again — friends  whom  she  introduced  to  her  hus- 
band as  Mr.  Ninus  and  his  family  from  South 
Carolina. 

To  provide  for  so  many  required  considerable 
maneuvering  on  the  part  of  IMrs.  Lemar,  who  ver- 
ified the  old  adage,  '^  Where  there  is  a  will,  there 
is  a  wav." 

"  Our  youngest  daughter  has  just  completed  her 
education,"  said  Mr.  Ninus,  "  and  we  intend  leav- 
ing our  son  at  a  boarding-school  in  this  State,  that 
has  been  highly  recommended.  Meantime  we 
propose  spending  a  few  weeks  here  and  tr}"  the 
benefit  of  the  Springs  upon  the  health  of  Mrs. 
Xinus.  She  suffers  from  malarial  fever  during  the 
summer  and  our  phvsician  has  recommended  her 
to  come  here." 

Nothing  was  said  about  their  former  handmaid, 
Letitia,  but  a  messenger  was  secretly  despatched 
to  Temple  Vale,  with  a  note  which  read  thus : 
"  My    dear    Mrs.    Melburn — Do    not    fail   coming 


284  BOND    AND    FREE. 

over  to-morrow.  There  are  friends  here,  whom 
you  will  be  glad  to  see.  Affectionately,  Grace 
Lemar." 

An  elegant  carriage  rolled  in  through  the  grav- 
eled drivewa}''  to  the  springs,  a  gentleman  and  lady 
alighted  and  sent  in  their  cards  to  the  hostess. 

Mrs.  Lemar  received  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Melburn  and 
sent  for  Mr.  Ninus  and  his  family.  It  is  needless 
to  sa}^  there  was  a  mutual  surprise,  fullv  enjoyed 
by  the  interested  parties. 


CHAPTER    XXXII. 


TABLEAUX     \'  I  V  A  N  T  S 


After  an  absence  of  seven  years,  we  will  re- 
visit Temple  Vale,  the  name  borne  by  a  little  vil- 
lage whose  population  numbers  from  one  hundred 
and  fifty  to  two  hundred. 

An  old  established  line  of  stages,  running  be- 
tween the  river  and  Compton,  passes  through  it, 
and  a  new  road,  constructed  a  year  since,  takes 
in  the  Springs  without  going  out  of  the  way  as 
hitherto. 

Two  grand  old  elms  mark  the  center,  and  the 
cool  running  water  beneath  their  shade  has  been 
analysed  by  a  chemist  and  pronounced  valuable  for 
its  recuperative  properties.  Near  it  rises  the  spire 
of  a  neat  little  gothic  church.  On  both  sides  of  the 
street  (for  we  must  not  now  call  it  a  road),  are 
stores  and  dwelling  houses.  Not  far  from  the 
church  is  an  inn  owned  bv  the  man  whose  name 
swings  from  a  sign  at  its  side,  where  there  is  an  en- 
trance to  a  large  stable  in  the  rear. 

"madisox  templetox, 
HORSES    AND    MULES 

FOR  SALE  AXD  TO  LET." 


286  BOND    AND    FREE. 

That  frame  house  is  where  he  lives.  The  inn  is 
hired  by  a  white  man,  who  accomodates  his  guests 
with  neat  lodgings  and  good  meals  without  the  ad- 
junct of  a  bar. 

There  are  two  school-houses,  one  for  white  and 
one  for  the  black  children.  At  the  latter,  the  stable- 
keeper,  who  is  a  licensed  preacher,  holds  Sunday 
services  for  his  own  people. 

Half  a  mile  from  the  village,  upon  a  hill  com- 
manding a  view  of  the  surrounding  country,  is  a 
well-kept  villa  with  extensive  grounds  laid  out  in 
good  taste.  Large  beds  of  gay,  old-fashioned 
flowers  bloom  under  the  fostering  care  of  a  florist, 
who  limps  around  with  a  crutch  and  cane,  pointing 
here  and  there  to  a  hiding  weed  or  withered  leaf, 
which  is  removed  b}'  his  boy. 

Playing  under  the  trees  are  two  children,  Grace 
will  soon  be  six,  fair  and  graceful  as  a  lilly,  with 
the  deep  thoughtful  gray  eyes  of  her  father ;  and 
George,  a  happv  romping  boy  of  four,  with  a  face 
so  beautiful  that  you  would  not  soon  forget  it.  His 
eyes  are  very  dark,  his  hair  hangs  in  golden  brown 
ringlets,  while  his  cheeks  are  the  shade  of  the 
wild  rose. 

The  parents  are  watching  the  sports  of  their 
children,  when  Mrs.  Melburn  says  : 

"You  can  nevei:  realize  how  dreadful  once 
seemed  to  me  the  thought  of  entailing  upon  chil- 
dren any  trace  of  African  descent,  nor  m}'  happi- 
ness now  in  believing  that  in  our  famih^  it  is 
extinct.  Even  after  this  lapse  of  years,  my  mind 
will  sometimes  revert  to  the  period  when  the  trans- 


TABLEAUX    VIVAXTS.  287 

gressions  of  the  fathers  were  visited  upon  me  as  a 
representative  of  the  third  and  fourth  generations, 
and  mv  heart  overflows  with  gratitude  toward  the 
love  of  a  Saviour,  whose  blood  '  cleanseth  us  from 
all  sin.'     Is  not  that  a  beautiful  picture?  " 

The  rector  looked  out  upon  the  lawn  and  smiled 
an  assent  to  the  question  of  his  wife. 

Dinah  in  her  white  apron  and  gay-colored  tur- 
ban has  brought  out  the  babv  in  long  clothes, 
spread  a  crimson  blanket  upon  the  grass,  and  there 
the  children  and  nurse  seat  themselves.  Bruno, 
the  grey  old  mastiff,  with  one  e3'e  open,  from  the 
veranda  watches  the  group  for  a  few  moments, 
then  walks  down  the  steps  and  lies  down  upon  the 
blanket,  stretching  out  his  nose  across  his  little 
master's  lap — in  his  old  age  he  appreciates  an  easy 
spot. 

Uncle  Joe  examines  carefully  among  the  flowers 
with  his  cane,  while  he  leans  upon  the  crutch  and 
collects  a  few  sprays  of  forget-me-nots. 

Carrying  them  to  his  mistress,  he  hands  them  to 
her,  saying,  '^Dey's  de  fust  ones,  Miss  "Titia — 
dey's  late,  wery  late,  dis  year,  but  I  'lowed  you'd 
like  'em,  bein's  you  anniwusity  day,  t'  stick  in3'0u' 
har." 

"Thank  you,  thank  vou,  Joe;  you  are  quite 
thoughtful,"  said  Mr.  Melburn,  taking  the  prof- 
fered flowers  and  placing  them  in   his  wife's   hair. 

Near  the  children,  under  the  shade  of  a  tree,  is- 
an  aged  couple.  A  man  whose  thin  locks  and 
wasted  features  would  excite  compassion,  as  we  re- 


288  BOND    AND    FREE. 

fleet  upon  the  infirmities  of  age  ;  but,  when  we  ap- 
proach and  observe  that  he  is  sightless,  our  warm- 
est S3^mpathies  are  aroused.  B}^  his  side  sits  his 
wife,  knitting  bright  colored  3'arn  into  socks  for  lit- 
tle George. 

"It's  just  seven  years  to-night,  Hunt,  since  we 
came  here." 

"Seven  years,  is  it,  Sue  ;  so  long  as  that?" 

"Ever3'thing  looked  so  different  when  we  got  to 
the  gate,  that  night,  and  both  of  us  were  so  tired,  I 
didn't  know  the  old  place.  I'd  starved  before  I'd 
gone  to  her  door  for  a  night's  lodging  or  a  bite  of 
bread." 

"Nor  I,  either,  after  all  we' d  done  ;  but  we  can't 
say  now  we  were  not  led  b}'  the  Lord.  Seven 
3^ears  is  it?  Well,  they've  done  their  part  for  us. 
My  half-brother's  child  had  a  heap  to  forgive,  but 
I  think  she's  done  it." 

'"Yes,  Hunt,  I  hiozv  she  has;  and  if  the  Lord 
has  forgiven  us,  we  have  nothing  more  to  live  for." 


/ 


RARE  BOOK 
COLLECTION 


THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 

AT 

CHAPEL  HILL 

Wilmer 

606 

C.2 


